Reversing the Obesity Trend: The Solution Is School Nutrition
By Mindi Gale, Senior Recruiter

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the number of adolescents who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980, from 5% to 18%. This alarming trend was an important topic of discussion at the recent American Dietetic Association’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Denver, where top dietitians from across the U.S. met, including many professionals from Sodexo.

One session titled “Reversing the Obesity Trend: The Solution Is School Nutrition,” led by Dora Rivas, MS RD and Jill Kidd, MS RD, examined how school-based strategies can help reverse this disturbing trend. Studies show that students who eat meals provided by the school lunch program are at a healthier weight than those who do not. Healthier choices are now offered through the school lunch program, including reduced or no trans fats, whole grain pasta and pizza crust, salad bars, increased variety of fruits and vegetables, more baked items and less fried foods.

As a school nutrition leader, Sodexo is taking steps to tackle childhood obesity in the school cafeterias where we work. Sodexo is the first school foodservice provider to sign on to the Alliance to a Healthier Generation’s school beverage and competitive food guidelines. The Alliance to a Healthier Generation is a joint initiative by the American Heart Association and the William Clinton Foundation. The goal is to significantly reduce childhood obesity by 2015. To learn more about this initiative, click here for a short video: Alliance to a Healthier Generation

As former President Bill Clinton states, “If we are going to create a healthier environment for today’s youth, we need industry leaders like Sodexo to make commitments to provide access to healthier food options at school. In addition to our agreements with over 35 companies in the food & beverage industries, we are pleased to welcome Sodexo as the first to sign the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s school beverage and competitive food guidelines.”

As a result of this agreement, Sodexo will only offer age-appropriate portion sizes that limit total calories. Sodexo will also only supply snacks that have no more than 35% of their calories from total fat and 10% from saturated fat, no trans fat, and no more than 35% sugar by weight. “The Alliance to a Healthier Generation’s guidelines fit perfectly alongside our efforts in nutrition education, locally sourced produce and instilling a lifelong appreciation for good nutrition,” said Lorna Donatone, President, School Services.