School Food: Twenty-first-Century Programs

Meal programs are seeing innovations. Organic foods, as well as those that have not been genetically modified, may be offered with locally grown and seasonal foods. Student, parent, and staff nutrition committees collaborate. Salad bars may be installed and more food choices may be added. Education can integrate math and life sciences with nutrition, food science, and food history. Cooking classes, guest chefs, lunchtime mentoring, and school gardens may be instituted. These innovative programs have demonstrated some success, especially in food acceptance, but their longevity depends on local resources. In the early 2000s programs remain extremely vulnerable to local administration and funding cuts at every level.