Federal regulations change school lunch guidelines

Posted: Sep 12, 2012 11:45 AM by Elizabeth Hill
Updated: Sep 12, 2012 6:01 PM

These days, school lunches are looking a lot different.

Thanks to new federal regulations, greasy pizza and salty french fries have been replaced by healthier, smaller portions. Portions of meat have been reduced and whole grains, fruits and veggies increased, but some parents are wondering if kids getting enough food?

"There are plenty of fruits and vegetables to make up for the decrease in the fats and the overall carbohydrates, but a student may not want all of them."

Iberia Parish Child Nutrition Supervisor Leslie Wimberley says mid and upper grade level students in iberia parish are allowed to pass up two of the five menu offerings and for many that means passing on the fruits and veggies.

"I think it's great to expose children to the nutrition education, to the foods of variety that are good for them, but ultimately the choice is going to be in their hands."

With the increase in fruits and vegetables has also come an increase in cost.

"It's always more expensive to eat more fresh, healthy produce."

In October, Iberia will submit a nutrient analysis to the USDA and if they meet all the specifics, will receive federal funding. Six cents per student lunch.