3 Ways That Schools Can Give Students Healthier Food Options
In a country where 17% of children ages 2-19 are considered to be obese, it is crucial that we are doing all that we can to serve our children healthy food. One location where your child is going to be eating a lot of their meals during their childhood and teenage years is their school. Because of this, it is crucial that they are given healthy food options to choose from each day. Little switches like a side of fruit instead of a side of fries can make a difference for these children. This article will discuss 3 ways that schools can give their students healthier food options.
Healthy Lunch Options
The easiest and most efficient way to help students to eat healthier is going to be to give them healthier lunch options. Rather than giving them the option of chicken nuggets with fries and pizza with breadsticks, you can instead also add options that include salads, healthy wraps, sandwiches on whole wheat bread, healthy soups, fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are nutrient rich. Adding these options in will allow your child to still have a healthy meal even when they aren't at home for you to make it for them.
Healthy Vending Machines
Students generally love getting items out of vending machines to snack on between classes. While snacking is great for keeping your metabolism going, it is very important that you are snacking on good things and not junk foods. Rather than having several vending machines with unhealthy snacks, instead replace them with vending machines that have healthy snack options. They can have things such as whole wheat crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat string cheese, dehydrated fruit, fruit leathers, low-fat yogurt, almonds, jerky, and any other healthy snacks. Since students are hungry and are likely going to need a snack regardless, why not give them healthy options to choose from so that they are actually fueling their body with the things that it needs.
Use Healthy Foods As Rewards
Often times teachers will give out certain treats as a reward for behaving well in class, getting a good grade on an assignment or test, or otherwise doing well in school. While kids love having candy or some other treat as their reward, it is a good idea to instead reward them with a food that is a bit healthier. For example, rather than having them choose from regular chips, instead have baked chips options. Or, rather than having them get regular fruit snacks, have organic, 100% fruit snacks for them.
For more information, contact local professionals like Servesmart.