MUSC Children's Hospital - August 2008 Newsletter

We're all about children!

August 2008

School Lunches - No More Pop Tarts!

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. In 2007, 30,508,470 children participated in the U.S. In South Carolina, we served 80,891,957 lunches to 496,534 children.

This summer, I have been enjoying school lunches prepared for the Lit'le Bulldog Summer Camp at Burke High School in Charleston. The hot lunch pictured included baked chicken, potatoes, corn on the cob, applesauce, and milk. Certainly, all of the food groups were represented. I talked to some folks within the Charleston County School District (CCSD) about our school lunches.

Michael Bryant, camp director, says, "School lunches make sure your kids' tummies are full and their bodies have the energy to play and have fun." Whitfield Sims, auditorium manager at Burke says, "I look forward to lunch. School lunches are a very important part of the day. It is a time to be revitalized. For many, it's the best meal of the day!"

CCSD faces an incredible challenge to serve 40,000 lunches and 12,000 breakfasts each day. Food prices will be up to $1.25 for breakfast and $2.00 for lunch. The price for reduced meals will remain at $0.30 and $0.40 respectively. School meals continue to be one of the best deals in town! Efforts are being made across the board to improve the nutrition of our children. Parents need to do their part by setting a good example and making the kitchen table a special part of the day for both children and adults. It is an opportunity to nourish both the body and the soul. Become active in your PTA, serve on school health committees, and have a meal with your child and their class at the school.

Significant changes will have to be made to turn the obesity epidemic around. I remain hopeful as I experience a spirit of cooperation among parents, teachers, school administrators, community leaders, and the CCSD food service employees. Jeff Dyson, the food service manager for James Island Charter High School, shares with me, "We have a long way to go when children think the four food groups are hamburgers, hotdogs, french fries and Pop Tarts. CCSD is responding to the need by buying locally, increasing fruits and vegetables, increasing whole grains, eliminating fried foods, and decreasing sugar. Parents must play their part!"

The Lean Team is a partnership between MUSC's Adolescent Medicine and Charleston County School District CCSD. Our goal is the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

Mary Joan
Lean Team