That’s because we are now under the Nation School Lunch Program, and they're in charge of keeping the children in public schools healthy.   

Ms. Henderson, the manager of both Hankins and Theodore’s lunchrooms, had to attend meetings and conferences over the summer about the new food guidelines. Everything that is used to make the food must be low in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. Fried food will not be seen that much this year. Instead, baked foods will be served. Rumors were spread around that pizza will only be given twice a month, but that was proven untrue; however, desserts will only be offered twice a week.

The vending machines have also changed. They are only to put chips and crackers into the machines. No candy is allowed. This is a big lost for the vending machine company, because they make most of there profits from commission. Thomas Lamey, who owns the vending machine company for Mobile said, “These changes aren’t fair for the schools or the venders. A lot of money will be lost this year.” It also turns out that the schools themselves will suffer money wise because they too profit from commission.

Some students think the changes are for the best. Senior Rachel Green said, “It’s good that they are trying to keep us healthy.” The fact is that society isn’t as healthy as it was 10 years ago. According to Health Goods .com, 11% of 6-17 year olds are over weight. That’s 4.7 million kids in the U.S. that are overweight, and the number is growing.

Laura Bird from the Wall Street Journal wrote an article in June 2002 called, “School Lunch Face Scrutiny as Nation’s Kids Get Fatter.”  She writes, “On some days, school lunch is no healthier than what is sold at a fast-food-chain.”

Still some students here at Theodore think that the new lunch changes won’t affect their health anymore than it did last year. “It doesn’t matter what they do with the school lunches; kids are still going to eat what they want to eat.”- Senior Leah Burns.

-kadie Cleveland