Lunchrooms dish out healthier options to combat childhood obesity | Families

Polk County, Florida-- School started yesterday, but Polk County School Nutrition staff members have been hard at work for much of the summer. 

They’ve spent time working to ensure new national health guidelines set forth by the Healthy, Hunger Free-Kids Act of 2010 will be met, explains a Polk County Public Schools release.

The legislation aimed at combating childhood obesity trends and improving child nutrition goes into effect this academic school year. 

Menu Highlights include:

• Fresh fruit or vegetable choices are offered daily.
• Students are offered a variety of choices throughout the school week; specifically nutrient-rich beans, red, orange and dark green vegetables.
• Freshly prepared entrée salads are offered daily in elementary, middle and high schools.
• Only whole grain rich products are served at lunch. By 2013, 100% of grains offered at breakfast and lunch will be whole grain rich.
• Items on the menus are low in saturated fats and contain no trans fats.
• The milk offered is fat free

Parents may look forward to smarter options for their child's active lifestyle, as Polk County Schools representatives say this initiative will affect what schools nationwide offer for lunch!