As Kids Head Back to School, National Advocacy Group Issues Report on Progress of Schoo...(eek the new milk was offered. This is v...),Health

Thompson agrees with the AFHK report that a mix of ridding the school environment of high-calorie, nutrient-void items -- coupled with an emphasis on bolstering the appeal of nutrient-rich foods like milk -- will have a positive outcome for students, but talks about other options as well. "Schools have control over what is served in the cafeteria, but more schools are beginning to regulate what kids bring in from home," she says. For example, in New Jersey, the Hillsborough middle school in Somerset County, with more than 1,200 seventh- and eighth-graders, is among a growing number across the country that has banned or is considering banning energy drinks from their campuses.

Another option for schools to try to increase consumption of nutritionally balanced school meals is to offer alternative service especially for breakfast. Thompson says the highly successful "breakfast in the classroom" program in Newark and Buffalo schools has increased participation in the breakfast program by 100 percent. "Many kids just do not arrive at school early enough to eat breakfast in the cafeteria and many do not eat at home," says Thompson. "'HUNGRY' is no way to start a successful school day."

The "breakfast in the classroom" program delivers morning meals to students right in their classroom, ensuring no child starts the day on an empty stomach. According to Thompson, a "grab and go" breakfast whereas healthy breakfast items are placed on carts positioned at the front door like the ones in Union City, NJ and Rochester, NY also increase the number of kids that have access to healthy morning meals. "Another alternative method of marketing healthy foods and beverages to students is through ala carte sales and vending," notes Tho
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