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Kids gear up for healthy eating
Posted: 10.01.2012 at 8:23 PM
Matt Prichard

Matt Prichard joined the Fox 31 News Team in May of 2012 as a general assignment reporter.

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Kids around the United States gear up for healthier meals at school.  / Matt Prichard
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ALBANY, GA -- Going back to grade school would be great, wouldn't it? No real responsibilities, no stress, just counting the seconds till recess. But for students in the United States, they're already being outfitted to change the shape of our future.

"The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act was implemented, actually passed in 2010, with this being the first year of the new meal pattern," said Food Nutrition Services representative, Erin Swanson-Hall.

That new piece of legislation stated that each year schools around the United States would start making their lunch programs healthier.

"There's a lot of change, but at the same time there's a lot of flexibility that are given to schools. And basically what it entails is increasing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and of course low-fat, and fat free milk," said Swanson-Hall.

With Dougherty County schools standing at 100% compliance, Congressman Sanford Bishop arrived at Lincoln Elementary on Monday, to share his thoughts on the new plan.

"Of course children eat a lot of the foods that they consume at school. And where better to start to improve the health of our youngsters than in our lunchrooms," said Bishop.

And Congressman Bishop's opponent John House agreed, however also said some of the responsibility has to be on the parents.

"I certainly think it will help. I think parents need to do a better job as well, making sure that their children eat in a healthy manner. As a parent it's our job to teach our children how to eat, and take care of them to make sure they are healthy," said House.

In the last year the United States has spent over $14 billion dollars in delivering healthy meals to students, which may seem like a lot, but studies show that over $150 billion has been spent treating obesity related illnesses.

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