It’s not every day you hear an 11-year-old pass up pizza and ask for more salad.
But, The Gazette reports that’s exactly what Ciara Mulvihill did when she realized Oakland Terrace Elementary School in Silver Spring did not offer many healthy food options. So, Ciara and several classmates brought the issue to their principal, Cheryl Pulliam.
Pulliam supported the girls' campaign for healthier foods -- the school recently installed a salad bar in its cafeteria.
Several Prince George's County public schools will soon follow suit.
According to Joan Shorter, director of the county's department of food and nutrition services, salad bars will be piloted in 10 of the area's schools in the fall.
All Prince George's County schools currently offer fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat and fat free milk, reduced fat and reduced sodium entrees and salad plates, Shorter said.
Data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health showed that in Maryland, 34.5 percent of children ages 10 to 13 are overweight.
Is Prince George's County doing enough to provide its schools with healthy food options? Does your child’s school offer salad, fresh fruits and vegetables?
Take our polls and respond in the comments to let us know what healthy options your childrens' schools are (or aren't) offering.
Marilyn
5:15 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Offering salad bars would be a wonderful idea. So would yogurt and fruit. Thanks!
Rise and Shine
12:16 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Great idea but I would be surprised if the kids actually ate it. Kids follow what they see and in most houses, with the hustle and bustle, fast food is predominantly the meal because it is fast and easy.