Nutrition in school-aged children. More recent survey data from the CDC show that in 2009, only 22% of high school students met the recommendation of eating 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily.[27] Increasing fruits and vegetables in the daily diets of children requires access to healthy foods. However, food security for lower-income households with children remained unacceptably low over 10 years of study: only 59%. This is far from the US national goal for food security, set at 94%. Behavioral risk factor surveillance over multiple years has demonstrated disparities in access to healthy foods. Lack of access to healthy foods is particularly problematic in regions of poverty.[28] Therefore, education is needed not only on nutritional needs of children but also on where to access healthy foods.
The nutritional practices of school-aged children are influenced by the nutrition education provided in schools. The national survey School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) reported that not all regions require teaching nutrition and dietary behaviors in school.[27] At the state level, 72% of elementary schools, 67% of middle schools, and 72% of high schools required teaching about nutrition. Among schools surveyed, approximately 85% required teaching about nutrition. However, in schools where nutrition is taught, healthy eating topics may not be adequately covered. Approximately 25% of school nutrition programming did not include the dietary guidelines for Americans, food guidance using MyPyramid, or preparation of healthy meals and snacks.[27,29] These findings underscore the need for education outside of the school system on nutritional need at each stage of childhood, and the need for healthy dietary behaviors.
The type of food available to students may limit their opportunities to make healthy eating choices. The SHPPS shows that whereas only approximately 68% of schools offered breakfast to students, nearly all offered lunch. Many schools include brand-name fast foods as options for their students. Only approximately half of schools surveyed offered low-fat options as a la carte foods, and half used healthy food preparation practices.[27] A recent study of more than 4000 students in Florida public schools demonstrated that 18% of middle school students bought less healthy snacks, including candy, chips, and soda, from vending machines rather than purchase the school lunch.[30] In addition, the nationally representative School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study found that children's consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in schools contributed significantly to their daily caloric intake.[31] Attending a school without a snack bar reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages significantly in middle school and high school children.[31] School-aged children and their mothers, parents, and caretakers need information on healthy choices to improve these dietary behaviors.
Nutrition in school-aged children. More recent survey data from the CDC show that in 2009, only 22% of high school students met the recommendation of eating 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily.[27] Increasing fruits and vegetables in the daily diets of children requires access to healthy foods. However, food security for lower-income households with children remained unacceptably low over 10 years of study: only 59%. This is far from the US national goal for food security, set at 94%. Behavioral risk factor surveillance over multiple years has demonstrated disparities in access to healthy foods. Lack of access to healthy foods is particularly problematic in regions of poverty.[28] Therefore, education is needed not only on nutritional needs of children but also on where to access healthy foods.
The nutritional practices of school-aged children are influenced by the nutrition education provided in schools. The national survey School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) reported that not all regions require teaching nutrition and dietary behaviors in school.[27] At the state level, 72% of elementary schools, 67% of middle schools, and 72% of high schools required teaching about nutrition. Among schools surveyed, approximately 85% required teaching about nutrition. However, in schools where nutrition is taught, healthy eating topics may not be adequately covered. Approximately 25% of school nutrition programming did not include the dietary guidelines for Americans, food guidance using MyPyramid, or preparation of healthy meals and snacks.[27,29] These findings underscore the need for education outside of the school system on nutritional need at each stage of childhood, and the need for healthy dietary behaviors.
The type of food available to students may limit their opportunities to make healthy eating choices. The SHPPS shows that whereas only approximately 68% of schools offered breakfast to students, nearly all offered lunch. Many schools include brand-name fast foods as options for their students. Only approximately half of schools surveyed offered low-fat options as a la carte foods, and half used healthy food preparation practices.[27] A recent study of more than 4000 students in Florida public schools demonstrated that 18% of middle school students bought less healthy snacks, including candy, chips, and soda, from vending machines rather than purchase the school lunch.[30] In addition, the nationally representative School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study found that children's consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in schools contributed significantly to their daily caloric intake.[31] Attending a school without a snack bar reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages significantly in middle school and high school children.[31] School-aged children and their mothers, parents, and caretakers need information on healthy choices to improve these dietary behaviors.
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