School Cafeteria Food Vs. Organic Food?

This blog is here to inform people on why regular school cafeteria should be replaced with organic food and how you can keep your school healthier. First off, I like to say that organic food is beneficial for students and the environment. "The term “organic” refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. Specific requirements must be met and maintained in order for products to be labeled as organic" (Helpguide.org).

Organic food is fresher. Fresh food tastes better. It is usually fresher when eaten because it doesn’t contain preservatives that make it last longer. Since organic food comes from organic farming it is better for the environment. Organic farming conserves water, reduces soil erosion, increases soil fertility, and uses less energy.Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics and growth hormones. The use of antibiotics and growth hormones make the animal grow faster, but when they are served for food, they can get kids sick. In addition, the animals are given more space to move around and access to the outdoors, both of which help to keep the animals healthy. The more crowded conditions, the more likely an animal is to get sick.

What kinds of food should schools/students stay away from?

Schools should definatly stay away from foods with high calories, trans fat, sugar, salt, and sodium. This includes fried foods, dressings, spreads, cookies and candy. These foods make the consumer become unhealthier and put on weight.

What kind of food is good for students and schools? Foods such as vegetables and fruits, whole grain options, vegetarian entrees, lean meat entrees, low-fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese, high fiber, low sugar cereals, 100% fruit juice, freely available drinking water, foods with less sodium, foods free of synthetic sources of trans fats. (Gsa.gov).

How do you prevent students from eating unhealthy foods? Have cafeteria workers ask students if they want a salad with their meal. The more food for the same price, the better. You could also shrink the serving plates and bowls and upgrade the vegetables to the front of the line. Students are more likely to take them when they’re ahead of everything else as opposed to being forgotten in the middle. (Do Something.org) For more information on how to keep your school cafeteria healthy go to http://www.dosomething.org/news/designing-healthy-cafeteria.

How do you stay healthy?
A good way to stay healthy is to eat right and participate in psychical activity. This means eating healthy foods and exercising on a daily basis. Also try some organic food. Its good for you and is farmed naturally. To learn more go http://publications.usa.gov/epublications/healthy50plus/50what.htm. Stay healthy and eat the right kinds of food.

Sources:

• http://www.greatschools.org/parenting/health-nutrition/1577-how-to-improve-school-lunches.gs
• http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104429
• http://www.ceeonline.org/greenGuide/food/upload/studenthealth.aspx
• http://www.helpguide.org/life/organic_foods_pesticides_gmo.htm
• http://www.dosomething.org/news/designing-healthy-cafeteria