We know that a healthy diet is important for the health of children and to address the childhood obesity epidemic. Children consume more than one-third of their daily calories at school, but how nutritious are these meals? What sort of guidance do schools follow when preparing lunches? Does this result in healthier meals? What about sodas? Is chocolate milk okay? And snacks and vending machines? Is if fair to ban cupcakes at school? What about banning selling sweets for fundraisers? We discuss these issues and more in this episode.
This episode written by Dr. Dean Blumberg and Dr. Lena Rothstein.
We thank dietitian Staci Collins at UC Davis Children's Hospital for reviewing this topic, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Supplemental material:

* Healthy Children School Lunches: You Can Make a Difference

* Healthy Children Snacks & Sugary Foods in School: AAP Policy Explained

* California Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

* California Child Nutrition Advisory Council

* American Academy of Pediatrics Snacks, Sweetened Beverages, Added Sugars, and Schools

Photo from US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service