 As I read a recent issue of Time magazine I came across an article on school lunches and I was reminded of some of the changes that have occurred with school lunches within the Fort Thomas Independent School District.
There has been a lot of attention lately to the potential negative impact on student health as our children become adults. Fort Thomas has been working hard to get out ahead of this wave of change and help support our kids becoming physically healthy adults and not just mentally healthy adults. In addition to being in a state that has progressive initiatives like the Kentucky Farm to School Program, Highlands has hired a nutritionist and a chef to prepare menus and has taken a very progressive step on this issue.
The school district recently reported a 20% increase in cafeteria sales that they attribute to the program. As I have talked with students they confirm the increase in cafeteria usage. In the past only rainy days led to crowded lines and now it is more common than not to encounter lines. The school has replaced fried foods with grilled and white breads with whole wheat. In addition to the healthier choices Highlands also added an ala carte line with some higher end choices and corresponding higher prices.