SNA survey reveals healthy eating trends in schools stateside

And it also should provide interesting reading for those interested in the trends of healthy eating in UK schools. The new Tray Talk website, which can be accessed at www.traytalk.org, is designed to spotlight school meal successes and provide parents with information about healthy school meals. The site will feature "School Nutrition Success Stories" from across the country focusing on two different school nutrition programmes every month. "Latest News on the Tray" stories will be posted monthly to provide details on hot topics in school nutrition. "News on the Tray" this month features a report on SNA's Back to School Trends Survey. Featuring responses from 538 school nutrition directors managing school district foodservice operations in 44 states reveals that despite increasing costs, schools are serving more fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and low-fat dairy products. The survey also found that "tremendous strides" were being made in reducing added sodium and sugar in foods served at lunchtimes. Among the findings included 95% of school districts are increasing offerings of wholegrain products, 90.5% are increasing availability of fresh fruits and vegetables and 51% of districts are increasing vegetarian options. The SNA report also showed how many school districts are adopting healthier a la carte and vending policies. Among the improvements include 65% are limiting the size and/or weight of their a-la carte and vending policies. They also found that 67% of districts with vending services are increasing the availability of healthier beverages in vending machines. Respondents were asked to volunteer specific improvements to their programmes for the coming school year. The changes included: diversifying the menu with ethnic food choices, preparing salads with dark leafy greens and incorporating more wholegrains in bread recipes working with local chefs, starting farm to school programmes and taking part in the HealthierUS School Challenge. SNA has said that these school nutrition successes are "particularly impressive in light of the significant financial constraints on school meal programmes". The survey found more information including the following figures: 78.6% of districts expect food costs to increase in the coming school year and 65% anticipate that the federal reimbursement for free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch Program will fail to cover the cost of producing the meals. Meanwhile, according to the study, more students are relying on the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, with 83.5% of districts reporting increases in the number of free and reduced price participation in the 2009/2010 school years.