French Fries are Out, Side Salad and Fresh Fruit Cup are In
Within the last few years, many schools have started on their own to stop soda and foods with high sugar and fat content from being sold on school grounds, hoping to curb the growing trend of obesity among children.
Although french fries still will be offered on a daily basis to students at Toms River middle and high schools, this school year will be the first time they will have the daily choice of a side salad or fresh fruit cup, instead of fries, with their meals.
And in 2007, fries might only be served on certain days of the week, or in smaller portions, said Peter Brattan, food service director for the Toms River Regional school district. "We don't want to take everything away from the children. It's just important they be taught to eat certain foods in moderation," said Brattan, who was hired by the Board of Education last year to bring more nutritious options to cafeterias in the district's 19 schools.
The menu changes are part of a nutrition revolution in schools across the state. Within the last few years, many schools have started on their own to stop soda and foods with high sugar and fat content from being sold on school grounds, hoping to curb the growing trend of obesity among children.
But efforts by districts likely will go full force this year, as state guidelines aimed at encouraging students to make healthier eating choices for physical and educational well-being come into play.
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