As a mom, I know that healthy school meals make sense. They nourish our kids’ bodies and minds, enabling them to learn and engage throughout the school day.

 

And a new study from Healthy Eating Research conducted in middle and high schools in Washington State backs up my common-sense mom-logic, showing that the new meal standards are working. Kids are choosing healthier lunches with fewer calories than before the new meal standards were enacted in 2012. Having more access to fruits and vegetables is the main reason why, according to the authors.

 

Findings furthermore show that participation in school meal programs has remained steady after the implementation of the new meal standards.

 

This evidence further builds the case for school meals, illustrating what a positive and important impact they’re having on our kids. Other recent studies have shown that:

 

No big surprises, right? Parents know that if something is *normal* for a kid - i.e. it's just what happens - they're more likely to accept it. Meaning having a fruit or veggie be a normal part of their meal makes it a lot more likely they'll just accept and eat it. Healthy school meals go a long way towards helping us as parents normalize healthy eating at home, too.

 

So what’s next for parents like me? Celebrate a bit? Perhaps. But more importantly, we need to keep the drumbeat going. Moms have had a decisive role in getting the new standards in place, and it’s time to apply that same energy into making sure they're as successful as possible. Find out what’s going on in your school. Work with school staff to introduce healthy foods in the cafeteria, and encourage your kids to try them. Support healthy classroom celebrations and school fundraisers. And get involved in your community, too, letting restaurants and stores know that it truly takes a village to build a culture of health.

 

Another great way to stay involved is to join the Good Food Force for weekly tips, resources and ways to take action around healthy kids and communities!