USDA School Lunch Changes: Huge Step in the Wrong Direction for Kids' Health

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently announced a slew of changes they'd like to see adopted. Most of the changes center on reducing fat content of school lunches and replacing unhealthy foods like hot dogs and tater tots with fruits, vegetables and whole grain alternatives. The USDA has even published a before and after menu to give parents a quick look at how the new menu could pan out. While the changes look good on paper, the USDA forgot to address some of the important aspects of school menus that parents want addressed.

What About Alternative Menus?

The comparison menus published by the USDA show one menu selection switched out for a healthy alternative. For instance, they suggest replacing hot dogs with whole wheat pasta, but children and teens have more than one option for school lunch. In many cases, students are offered a vegetarian and low-carbohydrate option to meet the needs of various diners. The USDA cannot change out just one choice and expect students to choose the healthier option if unhealthy alternatives are still available.

Whole Milk is Out but Trans Fat is OK

Schools aren't offering whole milk to students anymore. Whole milk has been red flagged as an unhealthy choice for students, but according to a press release from the USDA, schools will be required to "limit the levels of…trans fats." It seems like there is a disconnect between doctors and proponents of school lunch changes. Trans fats have been proven to lower good cholesterol and increase bad cholesterol. Students must not consume those extra 40 calories (the difference between one pint of whole milk and one pint of 2-percent milk), but they can consume unhealthy trans fats.

Where Are the Changes for Students With Food Allergies?

Anyone who visits a local elementary or middle school will agree that the face of students is changing and not for the better. Obesity affects a large portion of the population under the age of 19, but being overweight is something temporary; having a food allergy is permanent. As the parent of an elementary student with a severe anaphylactic food allergy to peanuts, I've witnessed the abrasive reaction parents and teachers exhibit when I suggest banning peanuts from schools. To date, there have been no reported deaths in school from a child being overweight, but there are reports of children dying from peanut allergies, including 7-year-old Ammaria Johnson and 13-year-old Katelyn Carson.

The USDA with the support of First Lady Michelle Obama is attempting to change student lunch options to reduce the number of children and teens who suffer from being overweight or obese. While the changes are important, the USDA is clearly not focusing on the most important changes of all - health and life.

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