Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives
RHS grad told us, “Maybe things have really changed but am I the only one who cant believe anyone actually ate the “crap” they serve in the cafeteria ? That stuff was just awfull””
Back to School: School lunches get a big makeover in North Jersey and nation
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 Last updated: Tuesday September 4, 2012, 1:07 PM
BY SACHI FUJIMORI
STAFF WRITER
The Record
When North Jersey students line up in the cafeteria this week, they’ll notice their lunch trays are loaded with more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
In the biggest change to school lunch menus in 15 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is imposing a new set of nutrition standards. The most drastic changes include requiring each student to have a piece of fruit or serving of vegetables on his/her tray, at least half of the grains served have to be whole grains, and milk has to be fat-free or low-fat.
Holly Goshin, a Glen Rock mom of two Hamilton Elementary School students, applauds the healthy upgrade, but she doesn’t expect her daughters to embrace the produce. “My kids are still stuck in kids food: the chicken nuggets and French toast. If there’s a vegetable on the tray, it’s not likely going to be consumed by my child,” said Goshin.
But she hopes the more healthy meals will set an example for them in the future, when their tastes mature. “If they see a balanced meal, it’s modeling for them. But I hate to waste food,” she said.
Her girls buy school lunches about half of the time, and enjoy the popcorn chicken, pizza and meatballs with sauce, she said.
The reforms that take effect this month are part of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act championed by first lady Michelle Obama and her campaign to reduce childhood obesity. Some 32 million children nationwide participate in school lunch programs every day.
…Angelo DeSimone, the assistant superintendent for business for Ridgewood‘s school district, is concerned that portion size and calorie restrictions may leave some of his students hungry. “What I worry about is portion control. A 200-pound football player is not going to be satisfied with the same sandwich the 80-pound cheerleader gets,” he said. He also worries more of his students will flock off campus for lunch. “It could hurt our program,” he said….
love it other school systems worry about test scores and advanced placement while Ridgewood shows off its new menu