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How Miami-Dade Schools Balances What Kids Want To Eat Vs. What They Should

For the first time in decades, the majority of U.S. school children come from low-income families. Florida has one of the highest rates in the country — federal data shows just seven states have a higher percentage of low-income students. That means more students qualify for — and depend on — free meals provided by […]

Miami-Dade Adding Healthier Choices To School Menus

Miami-Dade school meals are going lean and green this school year. The district is adding smoothies made with Naked brand juices, greek yogurt and vegetarian lasagna. But at an event Monday unveiling the new dishes, the district was most proud of their version of a Miami classic. The “guavalito” is a whole grain, lower sugar […]

Why Florida Farmers And Schools Are Planning Meals Together

Shortly after becoming Agriculture Commissioner, Adam Putnam asked lawmakers to move the state’s school lunch program to his agency. Lawmakers approved the change in 2011. Putnam stopped by WUSF’s studios this week for an interview with Florida Matters. Host Carson Cooper asked Putnam what has changed since his agency took over school food programs. Q: […]

How Schools Are Encouraging Students To Eat Healthier

The United States Department of Agriculture says school meals play a critical role in helping children learn how to lead healthy lifestyles. As federal guidelines shift toward healthier fare in school lunches, entrees that are bland and unseasoned won’t do the trick. Leon County Schools Nutrition Services Director Cathy Reed says many schools have gardens […]

Why Florida’s New Lunch Requirements Limit Fat And Calories

Florida and other states are phasing in new standards for school lunches. Fat and calories are being reduced as more fruits and vegetables are offered. The National School Lunch Program requirements stem from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which focuses on improving child nutrition. Starting this school year (2012‐2013), school lunches have new […]

A Fruit Or Vegetable On Every Plate Whether Students Want It Or Not

“I hate them.” “They’re disgusting.” These sentiments are from elementary students around Tallahassee who aren’t fans of their school’s vegetables. “I cannot think that they’re actually real.” “Our vegetables don’t taste real and they look like green spaghetti.” Fortunately, not all of their peers agree. Today, kids at Ruediger Elementary School are getting broccoli and […]

Florida Schools Ready To Celebrate Healthier Lunches

National School Lunch Week begins Monday. Schools around Florida have activities planned to promote new, healthier menus. Federal requirements were put into place this year as part of the National School Lunch Program. Fruits and vegetables must be offered every day to students eating school lunch. Jackie Moalli, Outreach Manager with the Florida Dept of […]

The New Rules About What Your Kids Eat At School

If you’re interested in what your kids are eating at school, a live webcast tonight will shed some light. The discussion is about changes to school meals  and how families can help kids and schools make the transition. The changes stem from the federal Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. It gives the U.S. Department […]

The Secret Lives of Students: Hungry Students Want Larger School Lunches

For today’s installment in our series, The Secret Lives of Students, we hear about students who depend on the meals they eat at school.

Editor’s note: This post was written by middle school student Asatta Mesa who is participating in the summer school program, Breakthrough Miami.

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