While the food we have at Hoover can fill up our stomachs, is that really the best we can do? The food we eat at school may be affecting us more than we think.
School lunch plays an important part in ensuring that students have the necessary energy needed to succeed in their classes throughout the day. A well balanced meal can help brain development, memory and cognitive function, energy, attention and focus.
At Hoover, the lunch typically includes foods that are often processed and lacking in fresh ingredients. Although there is a salad bar, not many students eat salad. While this can fill us up, it doesn’t necessarily give us the long-lasting energy or nutrients that our bodies need for learning.
How does school lunch in the US, specifically Hoover, stack up against other school lunches in different parts of the world? In countries like Japan, Italy, Sweden students enjoyed fresh, balanced meals that are designed to fuel their bodies and minds for a full day of learning.
In Japan students might enjoy a school lunch that includes milk, miso soup, white rice, pork fried with vegetables and fruits. Many Japanese schools also feature gardens that supply some of the vegetables used in their meals.
In Italy, the school lunch programs focus on setting up children for healthy eating habits that will continue into adult life. There is usually rice or pasta, meat, and at least two vegetables. School lunches are created to promote healthy eating habits.
Meanwhile in Sweden, a typical lunch may include fried salmon, fried potatoes in herbs and honey roasted with chevre. The best part of all this, is that in Sweden school lunch is free for all students, ensuring that everyone has access to a nutritious meal.
When we compare our school lunches to other countries you can see that there’s room for improvement. If Japan, Italy and Sweden can provide their students with nutritious meals that support academic performance. The school district should strive to do the same. Investing in healthier school lunches could make a real difference in our ability to focus and succeed in classes.
