State of Science :: Commentaries
"The Packer" Letter to the Editor regarding Kids and Fresh Produce
August 2007
An editorial in "The Packer" discusses challenges faced in increasing children's consumption of fruits and vegetables through the school lunch program and other USDA food programs. In its letter, The Center highlights some key ingredients of successful programs, focusing on the quality of fresh produce served to children.
The picture above is a perfect example of the major challenges ahead. This Bartlet pear from California was served as part of a school lunch lottery event in Chicago, held at a charter school. The event was part of the July 2007 annual meeting of the Society for Nutrition Education. This pear -- hard as a rock and virtually tasteness -- was served as part of the "healthy" bag lunch, one of three meal options at the event.
