PROVO, Utah — School lunches have come a long way since the days of square pizzas. At Provo High School, efforts are in full swing to make meals both healthy and tasty. On Friday, a group of students from northern Utah served as food judges to help design next year’s school menu.
As students sampled different dishes, Kagen Coates quickly made his choice. “Peach cobbler! It had peaches in it. I love fruit!” he said enthusiastically.
Other students, like Hailey Wheeler, shared their thoughts on how to improve the meals. “For the barbecue sauce, I’d use fresh ingredients. For the chicken noodle soup, I’d add a bit more flavor,” she suggested.
The students’ feedback will guide school officials as they plan future menus. Utah’s updated school lunch guidelines aim to lower sodium and sugar levels, which can be tricky for food staff to manage.
Cafeteria worker Meredeth Bliss emphasized the importance of student involvement. “We want to make sure they like what we’re serving to reduce food waste,” she explained. Good nutrition helps them perform better in tests.”
These new standards will start next August. Dietitian Debbie Phang highlighted that the goal is to support students in reaching their academic potential. “It’s all about helping kids be their best social, emotional, and mental selves. We treat them like our most valued customers,” she said.
Healthy eating is crucial not only for academic success but also for overall well-being. Kagen believes it’s better not to have junk food in schools. “It’s just better for you,” he stated. Hailey agreed, noting that a good diet is important for staying healthy and maintaining dental hygiene.
According to a recent survey by the CDC, over 30% of high school students report eating fruits and vegetables less than once a day. Programs that engage students in their school’s meal planning could help improve these statistics. Involving students not only boosts excitement around healthy eating but also reinforces the importance of nutrition in their lives.
Making nutritious choices can lead to lifelong habits. It’s clear that when schools prioritize health, everyone benefits—students, staff, and the wider community.
Check out this related article: Colorado Food Banks Face Dire Challenges as Federal Funding Cuts Compound Soaring Food Costs
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