If you've been inside a school lunch room lately, no doubt you've noticed a big change. Schools are serving a new menu with more fruits and vegetables and fewer starches and fats.
For Face the State this week I followed up with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to get those questions answered.
Parents know it can be a challenge to get kids to eat fresh fruits and veggies and Nevada's schools have experienced that as well.
But now a few years into the program, they've figured out a few ways to get kids on board.
"The research shows that it typically takes between seven and 10 times for a child to see a food before they accept it. So a lot of it is just continuing with those positive words, encouraging them to try that fruit or vegetable, to get the kids to try it, and then discover that they really enjoy it,” says Catrina Peters, Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Peters says schools are offering the fresh produce on the lunch line first before the main entree to encourage kids to take them. They're also designating more time for kids to eat, coming up with creative menu items and names and incorporating healthier ingredients into some old favorites.
"You might see some of those favorites that kids really enjoy, like pizza or chicken nuggets, but now that's going to be on a whole wheat crust to provide that fiber and those added nutrients."
So is it working? Peters says it is. Food waste has always been an issue in schools, but she says it is no worse under the new menu.
To see the full interview, just tune in or set your DVR for Face the State this weekend. It's airing Saturday at 4:30 am and 4:30 pm and on Sunday at 6:30 am and 4:30 pm.
