While I think it's great that they are offering healthier choices I feel that if my child has to take a fruit or veggie even when it's something he doesn't like then that is not a choice. That is forcing him eat what the government says they think he needs to eat. My 3rd grader loves fruits and veggies but if the choices for the day are seasoned peas and peaches both of which he hates he has to bring his lunch or I'm forced to pay a la carte prices. I think it's horrible.

My daughter is in kindergarten and this past week they have been serving the stuff that they had the day before as well as what is on the menu for the day...I agree with you there Karen..my daughter just takes what she has to take and then she doesn't eat them...I don't know about you but everyday my daughter comes home and she is practically crying because she is so hungry

There needs to be menus that are both healthy and welcomed. If they spent half the effort that they do on the activities they plan we would have happier children. I for one would love to have the option to be a part if this endeavor! Let the parents and staff come together to decide what is acceptable for our children!! As an educational side they should be teaching our children to make healthy choices instead if forcing them to suck it up!!!

My Middle School kids are coming hom hungry everyday. They are complaining that the food is "gross" or when it is something that they like, they are not given enough to even fill them up. My 8th grader is choosing PB&J sandwiches as her choice, and being forced to take the milk and sides as well. I wish that the students had healthy options and were not forced to take items that they are going to just throw away. I may be packing lunches before too long.

The reason they force the children to take the milk and fruit or make you pay a la carte prices is because under the new Eat Smart program, the district doesn't get reimbursed from the government for the lunch (for children on free or reduced lunches) unless it includes both of those things. I found a document on the district's website, on the same page as the menus, detailing the changes. Setting aside the fact that our kids aren't getting enough to eat (which is bad enough), the waste is absolutely disgusting. You've got kids throwing away 10 pints of milk and 10 pieces of fruit in a week!! Having said all that, I think its wonderful that they are providing healthier food to our children, and I hope they get used to it and start eating it, but this is definitely our government in action. Maybe we should call Chris Nagus from Channel 4 "Is this why we're broke?"

Susan, you make some very valid points. I can't disagree with a single one of them.

Lots of schools have passed more comprehensive school wellness policies in the last few years in order to keep their federal funding. In addition to the school lunch and birthday treat changes, are there changes to Physical Education class and/or recess to make sure kids actually get exercise during those times? Does anyone know if health class curricula have been updated to reflect changing medical knowledge and research about what influences people's health behavior?

I agree that there should be more choices for the fruiets and veggies each day. I do not aagree that the portion size is to small. Our children are eating entirely too much. The portion size that is provided is just that "a single portion". Kids today need to learn that the fast food places and often times at home they are being overfed, and that leads to obesity. If they eat just individual portions regularly they would not be hungry. The key is to eat regular sized meals at least three times a day, and there is always the option to pack meals for your children to bring to school.