School meals are slimmer

According to a government report, school meals are getting leaner and more nutritious, with fat content dropping over the past decade from 38%

The report follows up on a notorious 1991-92 study that seriously questioned the healthfulness of school lunches and launched a series of USDA requirements for minimum standards of nutritional content One of the goals coming out of this effort was the reduction of fat content to 30% of total calories, a goal not yet met.

Among other findings, the study notes that 31% of secondary schools and 11% of elementary schools have increased the candy and snack items they offer students compared with the earlier study, many as part of fund-raising efforts.

Finally, the study found a "grade gap" in terms of the meal nutritional profile of secondary school students as opposed to elementary school students. Just 20% of the lunches served to the former provided at least a third of recommended daily allowances for vitamins and minerals. The study found that 70% of elementary meals met that standard.