School Lunches

I work in the school's clinic and my morning duty is breakfast. I get to watch all the kids at breakfast, making sure they get along (the most trouble I have is between siblings). I have to encourage them to eat so they can get to class in time. I also help them in line and make sure they get their spoons, napkins and straws. If they spill something I show them how to clean it up,( apparently they never do this at home). You should see the look I get when they spill! Here are some of my breakfast buddies.

It was hat day, so this is the only time I let them wear hats inside.

We also have a good manners table. If you want to sit with us, you have to use good manners. If you're not sure, the girls will explain. Okay on to the post....

Since I am in and around the kitchen at breakfast time I see what goes on when they are prepping for lunch. Now in light of Jaimie Oliver's Food Revolution I noticed how much fresh vegetables we do get and use in our school. We also have not had whole milk for some time now. I heard that we are one of the first countys in the state to implement this, we are ahead of the rest. So when I heard him say we need more fresh foods, I was confused. The manager of the kitchen said they work with nutrition and the state guideline and they change the menu all the time, to make sure it works. If the kids won't eat it they have to take it off the menu. If they don't buy lunches, the kitchen looses workers, etc... They work hard at making in nutritious and what the kids will eat. The school menu provides a nutritional guideline, green = the best choice, yellow = the next, and red = the most choice you have to watch out for.

In the morning walking through the kitchen I often see fresh veggies. This zucchini has just been sliced and will go in the oven to steam for lunch.
Fresh lettuce and veggies go into the salad choice daily.

Fresh topping for the turkey sandwich choice for those who do not want salad or spaghetti today.

I was there for breakfast, so I thought I'd show you a taste of breakfast. Scrambled eggs and grits, toast (often whole wheat). Or they can always get cereal (often less sugar).

They always get a fruit or juice.

Here is the school lunch today. Let's take a look at what some mom's packed for their child's lunch.

Here's one, the wrap looks good.

hmm..not bad, sandwich, and she has yogurt in there.

Yes, some pasta, and good, fresh fruit! But wait...more to come.

oh yes, cookies, cheese nips, gummy snack, and that's red licorice under that. Not sure what the bar is.

My favorite....the lunchables!! Oh, and it comes with Capri Sun or (flavored sugar water)

This was just a smattering of lunches that I saw briefly as I was walking to the teacher's lunch room. I've always been surprised on what kids bring for lunch.

My daughter's lunch. She has always been a good eater, and usually has whole wheat bread, she still likes her sandwiches, (no mayo). I got this bread from the Italian bakery by us. She never did like school lunches.

I'm not saying that our school lunches don't need any changes, I think they should do away with the chocolate and strawberry milk, even though they are 1% fat. Have you ever seen chocolate milk on Cinnamon Toast Crunch? It's not a pretty sight. I also think good nutrition and good choices start at home.

Although one thing that needs to stay in school lunches.....

Tots! You gotta have your tater tots! Where else can you get them like this? :D