Cost of healthy eating

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/28/2010/april/05/cost-of-healthy-eating.html
Cost of healthy eating

By: RACHEL CANELLIBucks County Courier Times
Convincing kids to eat healthier comes with a hefty price tag.

Before area school districts can get students to open their minds - and mouths - to healthier food, local administrators say the federal government must first be just as willing to open its wallet.
The Senate is considering a bill that would require more fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as limit calories. The legislation earmarks $4.5 billion over 10 years to child nutrition programs, including school food.
But while Bucks County school officials say they understand the proposed funding is at least a start, especially in the current economy, they're just not sure it's going to be enough.
After all, food that's better for children often costs more, and administrators say any changes to the Child Nutrition Act would mean nothing if schools can't afford it.
Bensalem schools, for example, have been serving more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat breads, low-fat milk, reduced fat meat entrees and low-fat snacks since the district implemented a wellness policy in 2007, according to spokeswoman Susan Phy.
"These products are more expensive and the prices increase every year, adding additional expenses to our budget," she said. "Any increase in funding would certainly be vital to the expansion of these healthy meals."
In Centennial, administrators have spent the last decade eliminating high fat and sugar foods from their menu and shifting the focus to whole grains, fruits and vegetables, said Karen Kinzle food and nutrition supervisor.
However, the changes have cost the district more than just extra dollars, she said.
"Unfortunately, every time we raise prices to improve the meals we lose some participation from those who cannot afford it," said Kinzle. "It is a problem we worry about because when costs force a family to pack a lunch, many times they come into the schools without milk, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables."Advertisement
Power to set limits
Although the bill calls for $40 million for farm-to-school programs and school gardens and $10 million for organic food, it also gives the Agriculture Department the power to set limits on nutrients like sodium and fat in foods sold on campuses, including in vending machines and fundraising sales.
Plus, many schools are competing with trendy prepackaged foods and quick-fix snacks that appeal to kids with big budget advertising campaigns, Kinzle said.
Many are witnessing that resistance on Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, an ABC reality series in which the British chef is trying to improve diet in Virginian kitchens.
But not everyone's having a hard time convincing kids that what's good for them can taste good, too.
At New Hope-Solebury, the physical and health education instruction called on students to make positive choices, said John Dixon, director of food service.
"We planned to gradually phase out certain offerings," he said. "However, we saw students' choices change in rapid fashion."
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology officials formed a committee with students to help decide what food to serve. That led to the school eliminating candy and other junk foods, said Stacy Pakula, organizational advancement coordinator.
"While the kids were slow to accept the healthy snacks, they did get on board," she said.
But even if schools can persuade children to eat healthier, it's still going to come down to dollars to doughnuts, or in this case, carrots.
"A major factor in utilizing healthy options is cost and federal reimbursements have not kept pace with rising product costs," Dixon said. "A federal mandate would have to address this issue."