by KIM HILSENBECK
Changing federal guidelines for school lunches are based in large part on recommendations from the 2009 report “School Meals: Building Blocks for Healthy Children” from the nonprofit Institutes of Medicine in Washington, D.C.
The Institute of Medicine input on maximum calorie limits suggests that while individuals differ – based on factors such as activity level, genetics, and even other health issues – the range for each age group is the optimal number of calories to maintain a healthy weight and ensure proper nutrition.
But Christine Stencel, marketing director, said the report from IOM was a set of recommendations that should be considered in combination with other changes in lifestyle and physical activity.
Many experts agree that school lunch changes are just one piece of the obesity puzzle. Dr. Anna Lincoln, partner at Pediatric Junction, said serving healthy meals at school is a start.
“But if kids are still eating unhealthy foods at home and elsewhere, and not exercising,” Lincoln said, “it won’t matter.”
To reverse the trend of childhood and adult obesity and diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, the Texas Department of Agriculture has an outreach initiative called the 3E’s – Education, Exercise and Eating Right – of Healthy Living. The program, according to Brian Black at TDA, brings students, parents, administrators and community leaders together. Black said children can be role models for their parents.
Ruth Roberts, director of student health services at the HCISD WELL Clinic agrees. Roberts said the solution to obesity is multi-faceted; the school lunch changes are just one step.
The WELL Clinic is involved in the CATCH program, which stands for Coordinated Approach To Child Health. This evidence-based, coordinated school health program was designed to promote physical activity and healthy food choices.
“Obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and even sleep apnea,” Roberts said.
By bringing together the whole community, from schools to the medical profession to government and even the food industry, Roberts says the solutions will be unified.
Of the new rules and potential waste, Roberts says, “It’s important for kids to see a variety of vegetables and fruits, even if they don’t eat them every day.”
