More vegetarian meals needed

To the Editor:

We could soon see more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy plant-based meals in school cafeterias across the country.

A new bill in Congress would help schools add plant-based vegetarian options and nondairy milk options.

As a dietitian who works with school food service directors, I know the Health School Meals Act of 2010, HR 4870, is critical to conquering childhood obesity.

Children who eat school lunches are more likely to be overweight or obese than children who bring packed lunches, according to a new University of Michigan study. Researchers also found that children who eat school lunches are nearly four times more likely to consume two or more servings of fatty meats like hot dogs and fried chicken daily.

With shocking percentages of overweight and obese children in every state, and with millions of families relying on school lunches, we must take immediate action to improve school nutrition.

The Health School Meals Act of 2010 would make healthier options available and affordable, helping schools fight obesity, comply with federal nutrition standards and meet all children's dietary needs.

Learn more at www.HealthSchoolLunches.org.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Strong,

M.S., R.D.,

Staff Dietitian,

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,

Washington, D.C.