Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2019
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
Instructor/Advisor
Sean McCarthy
Abstract
School nutrition standards for school lunches have changed considerably over the years, and while the foods are meeting the needed nutritional requirements, they’re not appealing or kid-friendly for young children. While there are successes within the updated standards, there are still flaws found from current services that are offered within schools, competitive foods, such as vending machine snacks, being one of the main issues. Competitive foods are overloaded with fats, carbohydrates and high levels of added sugar. These are the foods that students turn toward when they elect to not eat the nutrient rich foods that are served in the cafeteria. Children avoid cafeteria meals due to lack of familiarity with the choices or disliking the options altogether. A diet lacking in nutrient rich foods has an impact on student academic performance, as well as a potential decline in one’s health.
Recommended Citation
Ahearn, Andrea, "Full Plates, Unfamiliar Taste; Properly Meeting the Nutrition Standards, and Educating Children Further on the Importance of Healthy Eating" (2019). Community Engagement Student Work. 21.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/21
