Alabama Ranks Best among U.S. for Nutrition Standards in Schools

In a recent article written by Kym Klass in the Montgomery Advertiser, in new study published in Childhood Obesity, Alabama ranks among the best state in the obesity category of meeting majority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrition standards.

In the nation, only 26 states either fully or partially met at least one food or beverage standard. Among those 26 states, only 16 met one or more standards, while 10 states partially met USDA standards for specific beverage and snack provisions.

In January 2012, the final rule came for Nutrition Standards change in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The meal patterns and nutrition standards for schools will be in compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

"The rule requires most schools to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat fluid milk in school meals; reduce the levels of sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat in meals; and meet the nutrition needs of schoolchildren within their calorie requirements." (Read more here).

According to June Barrett, the overseer of the Child Nutrition Program in the Alabama State Department of Education, "I'm happy with where we are. I feel, due to our efforts since 2005, we have seen a reduction in childhood obesity in our state. I feel the steps we have taken to improve nutrition quality are assisting in reducing obesity for the state of Alabama."

Barrett also adds that they partner with public health offices to promote an overall message to the public to eliminate the bad fats (like saturated and trans fats) and to eat more healthy snacks. Barret says they also buy locally grown fruits and vegetables like apples, sweet potatoes, melons and cherry tomatoes for their schools to help keep the economy growing in Alabama.

To read more click here.