Dallas ISD retools school lunch menu, takes away nachos

by PegNews wire

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No no, not the nachos, please Lord, not the nachos, I beg of you.

DALLAS — When Dallas ISD students return to school next month, they will find a variety of healthier food choices on the school menu and some perennial favorites will be gone or limited. Food and Child Nutrition Services has retooled school menus to offer wholesome, nutrient rich foods students will enjoy.

"Our biggest challenge is balancing nutritious choices while maintaining student acceptability," said Food and Child Nutrition Services Executive Director Dora Rivas. "If students don’t eat what we offer, they’re not gaining the nutrition that we’re committed to providing. We’ve gone to great lengths to offer menu selections that will meet both of these goals."

More fresh fruits and vegetables will be available daily along with whole grain breads. Vegetarian options will be offered and more items prepared with dark leafy green vegetables will be on the menu.

The most notable difference students will see on the menu will be the elimination of some foods that should only be consumed in moderation. Foods like high sugar cereals and pastry items will not be offered, and elementary students will no longer be offered nachos. Breaded and pre-fried products have been reduced, and elementary and middle school students will see hamburgers and French fries no more than once every two weeks.

"In addition to eliminating or limiting some items, our recipes will replace some items with healthier versions, for instance, white rice will be replaced with brown rice, and more recipes will be made from fresh ingredients. It is our goal to promote a healthier school environment and affect our students’ lives in a positive way," said Rivas.

Food and Child Nutrition Services is not just committed to providing healthier food choices, but seeks to promote good health through nutrition education initiatives. One of their goals is to provide ingredient information and nutritional analysis of foods to students. The district will also implement a districtwide comprehensive coordinated school health program.

"It’s not enough for us to just provide healthier menus. We want students to be able to understand nutritional information on packages and be able to make healthy choices on their own at school and at home," said Rivas.

Source: Dallas ISD

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