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Governor Bredesen Supports School Lunch Program

Tennessee Department of EducationNashville, TN – Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed October 11th-15th, 2010, as National School Lunch Week in Tennessee in support for healthy, nutritious meals in schools. School systems across the state will provide fun and educational activities for Tennessee’s children to emphasize the importance of eating better to learn better.

“Proper nutrition is important to keep growing children healthy and helps prepare students to be ready to learn so they can succeed in school,” said Governor Bredesen. “School Lunch Week is a good time to refocus on nutrition and exercise as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle for Tennesseans of all ages.”

This year’s campaign, “School Lunch – What’s on Your Tray,” helps students learn that eating a healthy and nutritious school lunch is essential in helping them get the most out of their action-packed day. Students across the state are encouraged to take the “School Lunch — What’s on Your Tray?” quiz at www.whatsonyourtray.org/whats-your-personality/ to raise awareness for establishing good habits for a lifetime of good health . Whether it is the student’s literal school lunch tray or busy academic or social schedule, what’s on your tray is important in regulating student personal health and fueling the energy needed to focus and perform in school.

“For more than 60 years, we have been fortunate to have the federally funded National School Lunch Program, which feeds more than 600,000 Tennessee children every school day,” said Sarah White, Director of the School Nutrition Program in the Tennessee Department of Education. “For some children, this lunch is their most nutritious, if not their only, meal of the day.”

Children’s nutrition is a prominent US health concern. Meals served in Tennessee schools meet standards based on dietary guidelines for Americans. They contain no more than 30 percent of calories from fat, and less than 10% from saturated fat.  They also provide one-third of the recommended dietary allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. Students get the food their body needs with age-appropriate serving sizes.

Educators, parents and community members can help celebrate National School Lunch Week with your local school by volunteering in a school cafeteria or visiting your child’s school to eat lunch.

Suggested school menus for the week include:

  • Champion Chicken-And-Orange Rice
  • Step-It-Up Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
  • Say “Cheese” Cheesy Steak Sandwich
  • Action-Packed Chicken Fajita Wrap
  • Reach-Your-Peak Whole-Grain Pepperoni Pizza

All residents should become more aware and concerned about their children’s and their own nutrition habits. Families can learn more about the school nutrition programs available by contacting your local school nutrition director.

For more information, contact Amanda Maynord Anderson at 615-532-7817 or Amanda.Anderson@tn.gov.

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