Health
Which developed country has the lowest rate of childhood obesity and the highest rate of nutrition?
Japan
Since the early 1990s, have the costs of fruits and vegetables increased or decreased?
The costs of fruits and vegetables have increased by 24%.
How much money does a family of 4 need to make in order to qualify for free or reduced lunch?
A household size of 4 needs to make less than $46,435.
Besides food quality, what is another common reason parents pack their kids’ lunches?
So that they have enough time to eat! School lunch has become notorious for long lines, odd dining times, and being extremely rushed.
In 1945, what percentage of draftees were turned away from the military due to poor diet?
40%
Since the early 1990s, have the costs of processed foods and beverages increased or decreased?
The costs of processed foods and beverages dropped by 27%.
What determines how much money a public school receives from the government?
Standardized tests (schools with higher test scores get more money), and community taxes.
What is the earliest time slot that some schools begin serving lunch?
10 AM
As of 2009, what was the #1 medical reason for recruits being turned down from the military?
Obesity
What lobbyist groups try to influence school lunch?
Within corporate America, food industry lobbyists represent particularly specific interests: groups advocate for restaurants and frozen foods, franchise associations, and chains. Beef, dairy, corn, potatoes, and apples all have their champions.
What is one argument for serving less nutritional foods, like chicken nuggets, to students?
Since it might be the only meal some children eat during the day, they want the meal to be calorie dense.
What is a top concern for students at lunchtime?
Being left out/social stigma.
Roughly how many times more likely are hungry people found to have poor health and other chronic conditions than food secure people?
2.9x
Which lobby pushed for pizza sauce to count as a vegetable?
The pizza lobby
Who is most threatened by funding rollbacks and easing of nutritional guidelines?
Native American children and children of color who rely of school breakfasts, snacks, and summer food programs for basic nutrition.
What are some ways other countries tackle bettering the school lunch experience?
Randomized assigned seating, children take turns serving and cleaning up, table cloths.
How much does hunger-related healthcare cost the US per year?
$130 billion
What would the benefit be if all students ate school lunch?
As more school lunches are sold, providers can use higher quality ingredients (if half of the kids eat school lunch, the provider can serve organic milk; if all of the students eat it, the provider can serve grass-fed beef).
In NYC where school lunch is free, how many meals are served daily?
600,000
What are some ways schools in the US tackle bettering the school lunch experience?
Growing their own vegetables in class, grab-and-go deli style dining, intimate table and booth setup.