Do you think that healthier foods in schools is a good idea?

I think if the kids are growing up eating healthier in school, they might be more likely to grow up and eat healthier as adults. Of course, it is also something that has to be addressed at home. But it seems as if a lot of parents have been complaining about school lunches that this should come as a bit of good news. I can say the school my children are in is already in that mode of practice. They encourage healthy foods but still offer the junk foods they are used to...with a difference. Instead of the normal chips, they give them the baked chips and Cheeto's with they have hoagie days. And they have it on wheat bread also. :) They also have been including more veggies. It is a nice change. But also as a treat and teach moderation, they are given a day once a month as birthday celebration and given a sweet. But little do they realize that when it is Popsicles...the popsicles are made of pear juice because it comes in rainbow colors. Now, I personally do not agree with all the food dyes...but, one step at a time. Right? The only reason I know all this about the school is because I volunteer in the kids lunch room. :)

I think that it is a great idea, but how many kids are going to eat the food? For the picky eaters or kids that won't eat healthy, they will pack their lunches and get their fill of junk food. I wish all school systems cooked healthier and got rid of all friend foods and "junk" foods. Unfortunately, many cannot afford to.

I think it's a great idea for schools to serve healthier meals! Our kids have been served enough rehydrated beef and pink wiennies. I don't believe it will improve the experience of a school lunch though; it will still be gross, and over priced. lol

I think healthier foods in schools is a great idea. A lot of parents these days are so busy working and trying to make ends meet that when they get home they don't have time to be cooking healthy dinners, so they may resort to frozen food or quick food. At least if the schools are providing healthy food then the kids are getting that little bit of goodness into their systems. Some of the schools here provide breakfasts too which is a great idea as a lot of kids were going into school without having had anything to eat.

It is a good idea to give children fresh veggies. Now a days obesity is a very big problem. So, trying to avoid junk food is a really good step.

Well obesity is at epidemic proportions. I think that if the school is promoting healthier choices it's not a bad idea. I also feel that they should be implementing madatory fitness classes. One hour everyday for all. Not many kids seem to be overy active anymore.

I think that is a fantastic idea, and say bravo for them!!! Junk foods are out there enough at home and fast foods. The children will concentrate better too. Great idea. Hats off to them.

Our local schools are now serving healthier foods. My sister-in-law works in one of the elementary schools and she is amazed at the types of food they now serve. Gone are the days of goulash and hotdogs.

I think it is a good idea to have a selection of healthier foods at school canteens but isn't it ultimately up to the parents to ensure their children eat healthy diets? It is no good having health foods only at school and then feeding your kids junk at home. I think it should be an education issue that shows kids what is healthy and what is not and they need to decide on a lifetime choice not give them no choice.

I don't think it's a bad idea for the schools to offer healthier choices in their lunches or snacks that the school offers. What I do think is wrong is the school banning certain things that the students themselves bring. A friend of mine sent a cereal bar with her son for a snack only for it to be taken away and him told that it was "junk" Another friend sent a similar snack (the exact snack escapes me at the moment) for her daughter to be told it was processed and therefore no good for her !!! I would be livid if that were my child. The school can (and should) take care of what they offer, but should leave the rest alone.

Yes, Absolutley yes. I think it will make the children feel better, think better and not have a tendancy to be over weight. I wish they did this when I was younger; I was the odd ball who loved that type of stuff and hated hamburgers, frys and such. As a result I did not eat much and asked my mom to make me lunch.

I think it is about time, if kids are learning to eat healthy in school, hopefully it will carry over to at home, the schools can not tell kids to eat healthy and then feed them junk - sorry - but french fries are no different then potato chips. If they must have them - then let them be baked.

some people they don't know what to feed their kids,i was in one of my neighbour's house and she made her kid a sandwich,guess what was it? saladcream sandwich?! then at least they can get a good food once a day!

I definately think that healthy foods in school is a good idea. it's allready been proven that kids work better after a healthy breakfast and everyone physically and mentally feels better after a healthy lunch. that's my oppinnion anyway.

I think healthier foods in the schools is a great idea. There is no reason that foods need to be cooked in all that oil all the time. It also reinforces and encourgaes kids to eat things that are good for them or to try them if they don't already eat them.

I think every school canteen should do it because it's a great idea. They should teach the kids the value of the food they eat so that they will grow healthier in the future, it also combats obesity because vegetables are high in fiber.

This is a very good idea. I am sure that the children are not too keen of this idea. It is better for their health overall, however, I don't know how much good it'll do with the way that parents just give into their children's cry for fast food these days.

i think its a great idea. in fact, when my daughters get old enough, if our schools arent serving healthier foods, then ill be making their lunches. children dont need to be able to make that decision because they wont make the right one and we know that they would rather have chips and a candy bar then something healthy that also tastes good (for those of you who think that they should have the choice). some kids parents dont care enough to feed them good healthy food as home, so atleast they will get some good nutrition at school.

This is an excellent option. I even speak for the teens enrolled in the very schools like she is discussing. I think that in addition to better foods, (and perhaps better-TASTING) there should be MUCH mroe mandatory physical activity. Im a physical person, and I would enjoy having some time to just let loose and have some kind of atheletic event. Not necessarily to compete or to win, but to just wake up. I find that going to work out and coming back to a homework assignment helps greatly!

We insist on healthy foods in the local school cafeterias. The only problem with this is that the students end up buying the junk food BEFORE or AFTER they leave the school from the nearby local shops. As a result the sales in the school cafeterias are lowered and the local junk shops benefits. Not much point in coming up with healthy eating policies when junk food is so readily available elsewere!