Nutrient contribution of the school lunch program: implications for healthy people 2000

Cardiovascular disease-related nutrients were quantified in a school lunch program over a 15-year period. Methods included 24-hour dietary recall, menu weights, and recipe analysis. School lunch was eaten by 93% of students. School lunches provided 23% of daily kilocalories and 24%, 29%, and 20% of daily fat, protein, and carbohydrate intake, respectively, saturated fat and cholesterol from school lunch were 27% and 24% of daily total. School lunch provided 7% of daily sucrose and 32% of daily sodium. Children not eating school lunch had significantly greater polyunsaturated (p less than .001), carbohydrate (p less than .05), and sucrose (p less than .001) intakes. Though the school lunch contributed less than one-third of daily total nutrients, intakes of diet components related to cardiovascular disease risk were excessive. Sixty percent to 80% of children exceed daily total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium intakes over recommended levels. Schools can influence childhood cardiovascular disease risk by providing students healthier foods, with education to promote positive lifestyles.