chanel
Silver Member
Under regulations proposed this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture would have the final say on what students eat. Educators fear the guidelines, trumpeted by first lady Michelle Obama and others as a key to curbing childhood obesity, will take a huge bite out of school budgets while resulting in healthier meals that make youngsters turn up their noses.
Under the proposed rule, school meals would become so restrictive they would be unpalatable to many students, said Karen Castaneda, director of food service at Pennridge School District in Perkasie, Pa.
For example, Ms. Castaneda said, the proposed sodium restrictions for student lunches resemble diets previously reserved for those battling serious illnesses such as kidney disease.
The American Association of School Administrators has called the plan a direct unfunded mandate imposed on school districts. The National School Boards Association on Friday released a statement saying it is gravely concerned about the financial impact the law could have on school districts at a time when many are in dire economic straits.
Two years after implementation, the cost of a school breakfast may increase by more than 25 cents. The cost of a school lunch will have increased by more than 7 cents, said Rep. Duncan Hunter, the California Republican who chairs the House subcommittee focusing on primary and secondary education issues. The total compliance costs will reach $6.8 billion by 2016, costs that will fall heavily on states and schools.
'Healthier' school lunch at what cost? - Washington Times
This may actually help the obesity epidemic. Kids will refrain from eating all day and get real skinny. Of course their brains will shrink as well... Hey - Maybe that's the real agenda.