Less soda and candy bars, more milk and vegetables – that's what your kids will most likely see in the school cafeteria next year.
The healthy changes are the result of a federal mandate that requires schools participating in the National Lunch Program to develop a wellness policy by next year.
That policy will address nutrition education, physical activity, and guidelines for all foods available at school.
One dietitian who works in local schools says the changes are needed.
"Some of them it is how they live. I mean they drink four to five sodas a day. I just can't believe it. We don't realize how much sugar that is – it is almost hilarious. If they could get more milk or even cut the soda out completely, and try to go for more salad choices," says St. Mary's dietitian Tammy Fumusa.
A few schools in our state are already making changes. In Appleton, no candy is allowed in the vending machines, and a northern Wisconsin school district has put a ban on soda.
