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More than 30 percent of Texas schoolchildren are considered overweight or obese, which is significantly higher than the nation as a whole, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Since breakfast and lunch school meal programs can influence children and their eating habits, a Texas Public School Nutrition Policy was put into effect.

Guidelines already in place provide limits to what can be served to children and when. Additional updates were put into effect this school year. A key highlight is that schools must eliminate deep-fat frying as a method of on-site preparation served as part of reimbursable school meals, a la carte, snack lines and competitive foods.

Another change is that high schools may not serve or provide access for students to Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) and all other forms of candy at any time anywhere on school premises until the end of the last scheduled class. This policy was already in effect at elementary and middle school campuses and has been extended to high schools this year as part of the four-year phase in of the healthy eating program.

While food selections offered to students during school doesn’t mean they won’t have access to foods that are high in calories, salt and fat, it is hoped that it will make student more aware of nutritional choices and how it feels good to be physically fit and at a healthy weight.

For those of us adults struggling with extra pounds now, we’d all probably agree that better food choices at a younger age could have helped reduce the likelihood of becoming obese later. While there are certain exceptions that are still granted to allow children the ability to eat foods of minimal nutritional value at designated times during the school year, teachers report they like the approach to healthier eating and more active lifestyles. Their biggest request is that parents follow suit by providing healthier food options in lunches brought to school and what is served to kids outside of the school day.

You can view the new Texas Public School Nutrition Policy here (PDF)