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School meals: a nutritional and environmental perspective
Antonia Demas1, Dana Kindermann, David Pimentel
1Food Studies Institute, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA. antoniad8@yahoo.com
Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
|May 25, 2010
Summary
Childhood obesity is rising, and school meals impact fossil fuel use. Healthier school lunches can significantly reduce energy inputs from food production and transportation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health Nutrition
- Food Systems Analysis
Background:
- Rising rates of childhood obesity present a significant public health challenge.
- The food system's substantial contribution to fossil fuel consumption necessitates sustainable solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze current school meal programs in Baltimore.
- To propose reforms for school meals prioritizing both child nutrition and environmental sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of nutrient content and energy costs between typical and proposed alternate school lunches.
- Assessment of fossil fuel energy inputs across the food supply chain.
Main Results:
- Healthier school meals demonstrated potential for significant reductions in fossil fuel energy use.
- Reduced energy inputs observed in harvesting, production, processing, packaging, and transportation.
Conclusions:
- School meal reform can effectively address childhood nutrition and environmental resource use.
- Strategies exist for developing menus that are both nutritious and energy-efficient.
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