First Lady Michelle Obama Lunches With Fairfax Students, Promoting New Nutrition Standards

 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (WUSA) - More than 200 kids jumped to their feet as the First Lady of the United States entered their cafeteria. Some of the lucky second and fourth graders at Parklawn Elementary School got to go through the lunch line with Mrs. Obama, who came to promote the new school lunch nutrition standards. They will take effect next school year.

"When we send our kids to school, we have a right to expect that they won't be eating the kind of fatty, salty sugary foods that we're trying to keep from them when they're at home. We have a right to expect that the food they get at school is the same kind of food that we want to serve at our own kitchen tables," said Mrs. Obama.

Here's what was on the menu: Turkey tacos with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, Mexican brown rice and whole grain flat bread; black bean and corn salad, mixed fresh fruit (a choice between strawberries, kiwis and orange on the one hand and melon and cantaloupe on the other) and low fat or non fat milk. The White House said the menu was designed by celebrity chef Rachel Ray who briefly appeared at the event, but said nothing publicly. The menu showcased the new standards which are to take affect next school year.

They boost the amount fruits vegetables from just ¾ cup combined, to a serving each of one fruit and one vegetable. Also, there are new weekly requirements for a variety of vegetables including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes. Only 1 percent low fat or fat free milk is permitted, and in two years, all grains must be whole grains. Plus, the new standards don't just suggest reducing salt, but give target numbers, down to 640 mg for K-5 and 740 mg for 9-12 grade by 2022.

The current standard sets no limit for Trans Fats, but the new one permits only food with nutritional labels that specify zero grams per serving.

The First Lady thanked parents for the changes and said their pressure helped lead to the changes.

Another change parents may be happy about: children can't just say no this time. Diane Pratt-Heavner with the School Nutrition Association."Now children must put a fruit or vegetable on their tray before they come out of the lunch line. It's great, because it gives children the opportunity to try something they might not have picked up on their own."

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The first lady said making sure children receive good nutrition isn't only about their health.

"Studies have shown that our kids eating habits can actually affect their academic performance as well...anyone who works with kids knows that they need something other change chips and soda of they're going to focus on math and science. Kids can't be expected to sit still if they're on a sugar high or when they're stuffed with salty greasy food, or when they're hungry," said the First Lady.

At Parklawn Elementary, located in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County, sixty percent of the student qualify for free and reduced-price lunches. Mrs. Obama said that for many children from struggling families, their school meals may be the only food they get in a day.

 

Written by Peggy Fox