CDC Reports Healthy Foods In Schools A Success

Share On Social!

According to a 2014 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school meals are healthier than in 2000.

The CDC report compared data from 2000, 2006 and 2014 to see how schools have implemented nutrition standards by the USDA that require more fruits, vegetables and less sodium in school meals.Among the findings, the CDC report showed that almost all schools offered whole grains for breakfast and lunches daily, and that as many as 80 percent of schools offered two or more vegetables a day for lunch, compared to 61.7 percent in 2000.

It is necessary for Latino students to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables in order to achieve a healthier diet. Studies shows when there are healthier options, Latino kids tend eat more healthy options, such as more whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

The report also shows an increase in self-serve salad bars as nearly a third (30.5%) of schools now offered self-serve salad bars, and increased fruit servings for lunch. CEO of the American Heart Association, Nancy Brown, said in a recent article that she hopes that Congress pays attention to this report and findings, as it will show the dedication that food service professionals bring to national schools, she concluded that if we continue in these efforts, kids may be able to protected from health concerns like cardiovascular disease.

Latinos are shown to have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity, reports showing the importance of healthy diets, may help Latinos become aware of the links between obesity and diet.

See how Salud heroes in your area, are making school foods healthier here.