Benefits Of The National School Lunch Program
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are large and important child nutrition programs overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (Fns.usda.gov) Established in 1946, the National School Lunch Program was started by President Harry Truman. It began as a way to prop up food prices by absorbing farm surpluses, while at the same time providing food to school aged children. The majority of schools participating in the program come in the form of a cash payment for each meal. (encyclopedia) Since the introduction of the National School Lunch Program menus across the world have been influenced by economics, trending settings, and nutritional value. As a federally funded program, the Nationally
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“Like all nutritious meals, lunch involves organized planning,” as Minden stated (Minden 7) The human body requires a boost of energy at lunchtime to keep you going for the rest of the day. This energy is provided by the calories found in the food people eat throughout the day. (Minden, 2008) One advantage of buying a lunch at school is that the meal is prepared and is served at exactly the right temperature, also eating lunch at the school could save time. A couple of disadvantages is that the school might not provide lunches that people might like, and kids will not get as much control over the portion size. (Minden, 2008) Choosing foods that are lower in calories is another healthy mealtime decision. Most ten to twelve year olds need to consume about 2,000 calories a day. This number of calories depends on how physically active you are. A very active person burns more calories than someone who is less physically active. Exercise helps you stay energized and is a fun way to make sure none of your lunchtime calories goes to waste. An active recess gets your heart pumping and filled with air. Most kids go to school tired but going to recess and back can lead the student to a more alert class period. If kids eat more calories than the body needs the extra energy will be stored as fat in the body. (Minden, 2008) School lunches must meet meal pattern and nutrition standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The current meal pattern increases the availability of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the school menu. The meal patterns dietary specifications set specific calorie limits to ensure age-appropriate meals for grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. (Minden, 2008) Other meal enhancements include gradual reductions in the sodium content of the meals. (Schoolnutrition.com) “While school lunches must meet Federal meal requirements, decisions about what
“Like all nutritious meals, lunch involves organized planning,” as Minden stated (Minden 7) The human body requires a boost of energy at lunchtime to keep you going for the rest of the day. This energy is provided by the calories found in the food people eat throughout the day. (Minden, 2008) One advantage of buying a lunch at school is that the meal is prepared and is served at exactly the right temperature, also eating lunch at the school could save time. A couple of disadvantages is that the school might not provide lunches that people might like, and kids will not get as much control over the portion size. (Minden, 2008) Choosing foods that are lower in calories is another healthy mealtime decision. Most ten to twelve year olds need to consume about 2,000 calories a day. This number of calories depends on how physically active you are. A very active person burns more calories than someone who is less physically active. Exercise helps you stay energized and is a fun way to make sure none of your lunchtime calories goes to waste. An active recess gets your heart pumping and filled with air. Most kids go to school tired but going to recess and back can lead the student to a more alert class period. If kids eat more calories than the body needs the extra energy will be stored as fat in the body. (Minden, 2008) School lunches must meet meal pattern and nutrition standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The current meal pattern increases the availability of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the school menu. The meal patterns dietary specifications set specific calorie limits to ensure age-appropriate meals for grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. (Minden, 2008) Other meal enhancements include gradual reductions in the sodium content of the meals. (Schoolnutrition.com) “While school lunches must meet Federal meal requirements, decisions about what