The recent changes in the school lunch and program Essay

The recent changes in the breakfast and lunch programs in the schools have significant impact on the nutritional status of children and in fighting obesity which is a national problem. State and federal governments have issued laws and regulations to minimize the problem. This paper summarizes the major issues and concerns on economic situation and health. It also presents the process and benefits of the program. Economic Situation One of the issues related with the recent change in school lunch and breakfast is the economic situation. The government increased 6 cents per meal reimbursement for school lunch and breakfast program if the schools met the new nutrition standards, but some school districts had concerns that the revenue from†¦show more content†¦According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are too many related health risks of obese children in their childhood and they are more likely to be obese adults. The major risk factors include† high blood pressure and high cholesterol which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma, joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort, fatty liver disease i.e. heart burn [and above all] obese children and adolescents have a greater risk of social and psychological problems such as discrimination and poor self-esteem which can continue into adult hood†( Basics about childhood obesity, n.d) Economically obesity has a major impact on the U.S health care system. It is estimated that obesity related expenses were† $148 million in 2008† (Basics about childhood obesity n.d.) Process of the Program In order to provide a balanced nutrition for our kids the new law requires all foods sold in school to be fruit, vegetable, whole grains, dairy product or a combination of all. 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