What's on the menu at school this fall? Healthier fare. More than 70
percent of all elementary, middle and high schools now offer fresh
fruits and vegetables daily, according to a survey conducted by the
School Nutrition Association, a nonprofit group representing school
food providers. And nearly a third of middle and high schools regularly
serve vegetarian options like sloppy joes made with tofu. But the
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which sponsors
the national Healthy School Lunch Campaign, says most school lunches
are still too high in saturated fat and cholesterol and too low in
fresh produce and whole grains. If your child's school lunch isn't
making the grade, talk to your food-service director about getting
healthier lunch options.

Teaching your kid to eat right
To instill good food habits, try these tasty tips from PCRM staff dietitian Dulcie Ward.

A is for attitude at home.
Introduce kid-friendly yet healthy food choices at your table, such as
bean burritos with no cheese or spaghetti with meat-substitute
"meatballs." Talk about why they're good for your family.

B is for better snacks. Put
some dried fruit, trail mix, whole-grain crackers or other nutritious
and tasty snacks in your child's backpack. That way, she'll be less
tempted to hit the vending machine when she gets the munchies.

C is for color. Encourage your
child to pick at least one colorful fruit or veggie every day. If she
gets pizza, for example, have her take salad, too.