How to raise the odds that kids eat school meals

You and your union are not just bargaining for wages but for anything that will make school food better and more popular, which will raise meal counts and take pressure off the budget—a big plus when contract time rolls around.

Some quick thoughts on helping your meals program thrive:

Suggest any potential efficiency. Next to healthcare, food is the nation's fastest-growing basic living expense. Most school cafeterias aren't feeling the pinch yet, but now is the time to consider what savings could be made that still keep meals healthy and kid-friendly.

Watch what gets thrown away. Food waste may seem unavoidable, but when the quality of a kid's lunch goes up, waste goes down. You don't have to rely only on meal counts to tell what students eat. Keep an eye on the trash and adjust your menus.

Pay attention to scale. Question whether the old ways still work. For instance, a central kitchen that once served 100 schools may no longer be the best system if your district has closed 20 schools. On the other hand, central kitchens do help with portion control. Help your local union take a long, hard look.

Promoting Healthy Lives for Schoolchildren

Two kid-focused initiatives point the way to healthier eating habits for students.
New York State United Teachers, a joint AFT/NEA state federation, has partnered with the American Cancer Society to promote the union's healthy lifestyle program for students, 24/7 Let's Go!

The program encourages kids to get up off their behinds. It's a direct attack on childhood obesity, which increases the risk of several types of cancer as well as heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses. 24/7 Let's Go! is the brainchild of NYSUT's Health Care Professionals Council, spurred by reports that today's children eat more junk food and move around less than ever.

On the national level, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is encouraging better diet and exercise. Its Healthy Schools program emphasizes more nutritious foods, top-notch physical and health education, and physical activity for school employees so they can be excellent role models.

The alliance is a partnership of the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. All schools are welcome to join the Healthy Schools program at www.healthiergeneration.org/schools, or call 888/543-4584.