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Tuesday, November 13, 2012 By Sara G.
 There have been a lot of changes to the Watertown Middle School cafeteria, including new floors, new tables, and a new lunch menu. - Splash photo by Sara G
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WMS changes
recipe for lunch
Out: Ice cream, chocolate milk
In: Less calories, more veggies
By SARA G.
Watertown Splash staff reporter
This year, a lot of changes have been made at the Watertown Middle School cafeteria, such as the new tables, floors, and school lunch.
Starting in September, cafeterias everywhere started seeing a boost in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
You can expect less calories, more nutritious foods, and a wider selection of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods at lunch.
“I think it’s a good way to help kids eat healthy,” said Olivia L., a sixth-grader.
The new guidelines require schools everywhere to offer healthier and more nutritious foods. The new guidelines include a requirement for schools to offer green, orange, or red vegetables, and legumes (beans) at least once a week.
Now, students are required to have at least one fruit or vegetable with every meal.
Limits on calories and sodium have been set along with very low saturated fat and no trans-fats other than ones in dairy products and meats.
”It’s not the best, but it’s OK,” said Alessandra S., a sixth-grader.
A very controversial topic around school is that chocolate milk is no longer being served. Also, artificially flavored drinks have been banned from cafeterias, outraging students. Drinks offered in cafeterias now include fat-free milk, lactose-free milk, orange juice, grape juice, 1 percent milk, and water.
Also, the amount of milk is going down from 10 ounces to 8 ounces, and instead of being in tall plastic bottles, it will be in cartons.
Snacks are still sold, but there is a healthier selection, such as baked chips or puff crackers. Ice cream had also been banned due to the amount of fat and calories in it.
Lunches this year are expected to be more nutritious and delicious. The hopes are that kids will enjoy and take advantage of the new and improved lunch.
--Nov. 12, 2012--
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