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Parents Sound Off About School Lunches

Ask kids what they think of the cafeteria's fare and they'll likely offer a scrunched nose and a frown, whether the food is good - or good for them - or not. But what do parents, who don't get to partake of their children's daily dining offerings, think?

According to a recent USA Today/Gallup poll, nearly two thirds of moms and dads said their child's school lunches are generally nutritious (though 42% said only "somewhat"). But two thirds also said that the school could do more to provide healthier options like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Parents didn't agree as much, though, about whether schools are offering kids too many unacceptable foods - 43% said yes, 48% said no.

Over the years, both the taste and nutritional content of school lunches have improved. Some schools are making an effort to serve better dishes and many lunches do meet the standards for protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron. But many still have far too much fat.

Though every school is different, kids also often have an array of options - from the cafeteria to the vending machines - that aren't exactly what parents had in mind for their midday meal.

What This Means to You
School lunches can certainly be convenient - you give your kids money or buy them a lunch card and they're good to go. But getting a well-rounded lunch may not be as simple as just holding out their plates.
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