TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, august 17, 2016 • 24
BACK TO SCHOOL Princeton Area Public and Private Schools Offer Healthy, Nutritional Lunches for Students
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he statistics are alarmi n g. A c c o r d i n g to studies from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Today, about one in three kids is overweight or obese. A n d s t u d i e s s h o w t h at overweight kids tend to become overweight and obese adults. Studies also indicate that overweight children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, bone and joint problems, and various types of cancer. A number of factors have contributed to the rise in obesit y among children. Among them : less physic a l ac t iv it y, w it h m ore time spent watching TV or engaged in video games; increased marketing of unhealthy foods (especially targeting kids); larger portion sizes and higher consumption of sugary beverages. Some studies indicate that one fifth of teens drink the equivalent of an extra meal in sugar-sweetened bever-
ages. One important way to begin to combat this problem is by following the dietary guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture. The latter has instituted “My Plate” guidelines for a healthy daily menu. A chart, “To Make it Simple,” shows a plate half filled with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with grains, another quarter with protein, and a very small portion of dairy. Healthy Eating School lunches can be a major part of furthering the goal of healthy eating, and according to the Physicians Committee on Healthy School Lunches, more work needs to be done. Their studies show that menus in many school lunch programs are too high in saturated fat and cholesterol and too low in fiber- and nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The Physicians Committee “Healthy School Lunch Program” is dedicated to improving the food served to children in schools by educating government and school officials, food service
workers, and parents about the food choices that are best able to promote children’s long-time health. Princeton area schools, both public and private, have a strong record of providing healthy lunches for their students and keeping up-to-date on the latest dietary guidelines. For example, the Princeton Public School District, including four elementary schools, one middle, and one high school, has three registered dieticians to help prepare the monthly menu, notes Sharon McLoone, operations manager of NutriSer ve Food Management Company, which serves the school district. “There are state and federal guidelines and regulations that we must follow,” adds Ms. McLoone. “By following the Child Nutrition guidelines put forth by the USDA and NJDA, the dietary concerns are addressed, and we offer numerous choices hopefully appealing to all students. We offer hot and cold lunches, and provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. We bake and do not fry, we use whole
grain products, and we do not offer soda or candy bars.” Ms. McLoone points out the growing awareness of children today regarding healthy eating. “Most students are more conscious of their nutritional needs, the upper level grades more so. The elementary level grades are not as concerned about the nutrition aspect of their meal — they want it to taste good and look familiar. We keep the choices healthy so it is easy for the students to make good choices.” Balanced Meals Pr inceton Montessor i School, with a student enrollment consisting of infants through eighth grade, works with its Food and Nutrition Committee to help give students options for healthy s chool lu nche s, repor t s Andrea O’Brian, Princeton Montessori director, operations and communications. “The school has two vendors from whom parents may choose to buy lunches for students: Brick Farm Market, which provides local, sustainable, farm-to-table foods; and Smart Lunches,” explains Ms. O’Brian. “Both providers use healthy ingredients and offer balanced meals. Meal plans offered
Rock Brook School
RockNJBrook Scho 109 Orchard Road, Skillman, NJ 0855 109 Orchard Road,Skillman, 08558
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A NJ Department of Education School. of Education Ap A NJApproved Department Designed for Children 3-21 years Designed for Children 5 - 14 years wi with Communication Impairment Impairment & Multiple Disabilities.& Multiple Dis
Each class is staffed with a special ed speech/language pathologist and a
Tuition paid by child’s home school di
OPEN HOUSE DA 10/26, 10/30, 11/13,
Please call for details
www.rock-brook.org * info@rock-broo Each class is staffed with a special education teacher, a speech/language pathologist and a teaching assistant. Tuition paid by child’s home school district, if approved. www.rock-brook.org | info@rock-brook.org 908 431 9500