How Michelle Obama Destroyed School Cafeteria Programs
Michelle Obama had good intentions in regards to healthier school lunches. She wanted to
help reduce childhood obesity in the U.S. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 was
formed in an effect to improve child nutrition. It required school lunches to contain less salt and
fat, less sugar, fewer calories, fewer processed items and more fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains. This all sounds great, but the program has also had a negative impact on students and
schools.
Obama's lunch program isn't popular with both schools and students. For one, school
districts are losing money on the healthier lunches that students will not eat now a days.
Students are required to be served all components of food to make a balanced meal. They are
required to get fruit and vegetables no matter if they are going to eat them or not. Therefore,
there is an increased waste as students throw away the required fruits and vegetables.
Also more and more students are opting out of school meals. Students don't like the new
lunches. Often the students buy junk food from the vending machines to avoid the healthy
school lunches. The old school lunches at least had some nutritional value. Therefore, the new
school lunches are defeating the purpose of childhood obesity if students are eating a less
healthier choice.
The school systems are having to struggle with the new food requirements. Healthier food
items cost more, making the lunches cost more. Sometimes the schools are having a harder
time trying to comply with the complicated rules. Often it is hard to pair certain foods to make
the meal balance. Often the schools are having to eliminate popular items to make the meal
compliant. The meat and grain restrictions have led to smaller lunch entrees. Also some schools
are losing food...