Caption: Schools represent a powerful resource for improving the health of the nation's children because they are an ideal place to connect with both children and their parents. On average, a child receives about a third of his/her daily calories at school, and should receive at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. U.S. schools can offer nutritious food, greater opportunities for physical activity, and obesity-related health services.
Schools face the dual challenge of serving foods that are healthy and also appealing to children. Schools often cite budgetary needs as the reason for offering popular, junk food in vending machines, school stores, and fund raisers-- where foods are not governed by USDA guidelines. However, limited evidence shows that schools can offer healthier foods by banning vending machines or changing the types of foods sold on school grounds, and not lose revenues.
