Lunches in Colorado schools—like other schools across the country—are often packed with fat-laden additives and other unhealthy ingredients. Integral Consulting Inc. is working with the Children’s Health Foundation on an evaluation of Lunch for Life, a pilot program launched by the Colorado non-profit group to increase the availability of fresh, healthful foods in schools and to encourage healthy eating habits among school age children and adolescents.
By changing lunch offerings, the program is designed to aid in preventing childhood obesity and diet-related illnesses, and teach students about making healthy choices. The program is currently being implemented in all 10 schools in Colorado’s RE-2 School District.
Implementing the program has resulted in numerous changes. Many processed foods and foods containing trans-fats and high fructose corn syrup have been eliminated from the schools offerings. Lunches are now cooked from scratch; pre-made items including frozen pizza, chicken nuggets, burritos and pre-cut french fries and tater tots are no longer served. Salad bars and main entrée salads are available to students daily, and a greater number of fresh fruits and vegetables are now available.
Ann Bradley, Integral scientist, is currently evaluating the status of these changes, the processes used to implement the changes, and any barriers associated with their implementation—such as limitations in the availability of needed resources and current infrastructure. In addition, she is completing an in-depth analysis of the financial implications of making such changes, a consideration which often discourages schools from incorporating them. Bradley’s evaluation builds on prior Integral work with the Foundation on school nutrition-related issues.
The results of the evaluation will be used to facilitate future changes to be implemented in the Garfield RE‐2 School District, to guide changes in other school districts throughout the Western Slope of Colorado, and to inform broader legislative and policy needs related to school food and nutrition programs.