Eau Claire (WQOW) - School lunches across the country
could look a little different this year. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act,
passed back in 2010 means school district will have more specific requirements
for lunches.
"We'll put
something on we know they like, like mandarin oranges, and we might pair that
with something they're less fond of or something new to them like sweet potato
fries," said Eau Claire Area School District's Food Nutrition Director Sue
Brown.
Making kids eat their fruits and
veggies has always been a struggle for schools. But thanks to lawmakers, kids
are now guaranteed the food at least gets on their tray.
"This year students
are required to take at least one half cup or fruit or vegetables with their
lunch. So they do need to make a selection, and we've been trying to menu plan
so that we have some of the things we know students like. Then we pair that
with some of the things on the menu we know students may not be as fond of,"
Brown said.
The requirement is part of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, which set standards on school lunch
programs.
"The real drive of
the program is to encourage students to eat more of their fruits and
vegetables, and hopefully if they get it on their tray they'll actually consume
them," said Brown.
However, what happens if a kid
refuses to take a serving?
"If such a
situation arises, we would be required or we would have to charge them the
adult price for the meal because we would not be getting any reimbursement for
that meal."
So far, the Eau Claire school district says they have not
experienced any problems with having to charge kids extra. However, even if the
kids do take their fruits and veggies, there is no guarantee the food is eaten.
The potential waste has some citizens concerned.
"They're just going
to throw it away! They're still not going to eat it regardless of whether or not
it's on their plate. Maybe one kid will try it or something, but they're not
going to eat their vegetables if they don't want their vegetables," said Eau Claire resident Megan
Winberg.
Before this year, students were
required to take at least three different food groups, but there was no special
requirement on fruits and vegetables.
