LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
Cafeterias nationwide are healthier
places after the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act went into effect this school
year.
Lufkin health officials say the goal
of the initiative is to combat the obesity epidemic in children.
"All the grains have to be whole
grain at least half the time, and by this time next year, it will be more,"
Donna Middaugh, Lufkin ISD's director of student nutrition, said. "Fruits and
vegetables used to be one food group and now it's two."
The new healthy lunch law comes with a
new calorie cap. Middaugh says the school district uses planning analysis software
and student taste testing to design meals that fit the law's requirements and
satisfy student taste buds.
"The pizza we serve has whole
grain crust, lower in fat, special sauce and some of them have reduced sodium
sauce," Middaugh said.
Health officials say introducing
students to healthier food earlier will reduce their risk for long term medical
problems. Sarah Feye, a diabetic intern at Stephen F. Austin State University,
said kids are now getting Type 2 diabetes, which was once an adult-onset
disease.
"If they get it when they're 10,
by the time they're 30, they're going to have a lot of damage," Feye said.
Officials say is takes about eight to
10 times of trying food to create a taste for it and once students exposed to
healthy options it will become a habit.
"They won't even think about as
they get older it will just be a part of their lifestyle as they become
teenagers and young adults and as true adults they may be able to make these
decisions for themselves," Marilyn Kegler, Lufkin ISD's director of health services,
said.
Officials hope this healthy eating
lesson will stick with students even after they graduate.
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