Malnutrition in School Kids
Malnutrition is a major issue that many school age kids suffer from. “Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or over nourished.” “Symptoms of malnourishment may be but are not limited to the following: short for their age, thin or bloated, listless and have weakened immune systems, pale or dry skin, bruises easily, rashes, and bones that are soft and tender.” Adequate nutrition is necessary to people of all ages to achieve optimal growth, health, and well-being. “The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Lunch Program …show more content…
“The new standards require schools to add more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains to school meals. School food environments play a critical role in affecting students’ food consumption and weight status. Many children especially those from lower-income families, depend on school meal programs for up to half of their daily calories. (Turner)” “In 2006 there were improvements made in the schools and the deep fryers were removed, and then again in 2008 different improvements were made where only whole wheat pasta and bread were offered. Also, a minimum of three kinds of fresh fruit choices and two entrée salads are offered daily. (Cluss)” Just by changing up the ways some foods are prepared would make a huge difference, as simple as using a few substitutes while cooking. Completely taking out all the unhealthy foods will not solve this problem. It will help alleviate some of the major causes behind this crisis, but it will take all three of the solutions mentioned and everyone working together to help ensure that the children are receiving the proper nutrition required for them to develop. The cafeteria staff, can help by making sure that there are healthier options on the menu and not just strictly fried foods and sweets. Instead of putting brownies or cakes out on the food line, put fruits or sugar free desserts. Breakfast is the most essential meal of the day. The kids must eat breakfast to get through their day. Having healthy options for breakfast would really set an example on how the rest of the meals should play out. Breakfast feeds the brain and allows the kids to remain focused throughout their school day. If they limited to maybe having special foods just on one day of the week, like on Friday, that
Malnutrition is a major issue that many school age kids suffer from. “Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or over nourished.” “Symptoms of malnourishment may be but are not limited to the following: short for their age, thin or bloated, listless and have weakened immune systems, pale or dry skin, bruises easily, rashes, and bones that are soft and tender.” Adequate nutrition is necessary to people of all ages to achieve optimal growth, health, and well-being. “The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Lunch Program …show more content…
“The new standards require schools to add more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains to school meals. School food environments play a critical role in affecting students’ food consumption and weight status. Many children especially those from lower-income families, depend on school meal programs for up to half of their daily calories. (Turner)” “In 2006 there were improvements made in the schools and the deep fryers were removed, and then again in 2008 different improvements were made where only whole wheat pasta and bread were offered. Also, a minimum of three kinds of fresh fruit choices and two entrée salads are offered daily. (Cluss)” Just by changing up the ways some foods are prepared would make a huge difference, as simple as using a few substitutes while cooking. Completely taking out all the unhealthy foods will not solve this problem. It will help alleviate some of the major causes behind this crisis, but it will take all three of the solutions mentioned and everyone working together to help ensure that the children are receiving the proper nutrition required for them to develop. The cafeteria staff, can help by making sure that there are healthier options on the menu and not just strictly fried foods and sweets. Instead of putting brownies or cakes out on the food line, put fruits or sugar free desserts. Breakfast is the most essential meal of the day. The kids must eat breakfast to get through their day. Having healthy options for breakfast would really set an example on how the rest of the meals should play out. Breakfast feeds the brain and allows the kids to remain focused throughout their school day. If they limited to maybe having special foods just on one day of the week, like on Friday, that