Barrow County Schools Increase Fruits and Vegetables 100 Percent

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that all school meals are healthy meals, according to the most recently published Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010.  

“Mealtime at school is more than simply placing a hot dish on our students’ trays” says Pamela LeFrois, Director of School Nutrition in Barrow County Schools. “Not only do we plan our menus in advance, but we also plan them to meet nutrient targets, including those for calories, vitamins and minerals, and to limit saturated fat and sodium; while offering foods from all food groups, especially fruits, vegetables and more in every single meal we serve.” 

Schools have at their disposal programs like the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Farm to School Program and Special Milk Program.

Barrow County has increased fresh fruit and vegetable offerings to school children 100% for this school year. This includes as many locally grown products as possible. More whole grains are being added and many new and exciting menu choices are added each month.  

"We are changing all bread and grain choices to whole grain," said LeFrois. "This will include pizza, hamburger and hot dog buns, rolls and as soon as we can find a good one, it will include biscuits." 

Lefrois also plans on switching the pork pepperoni and ham to a lower sodium, lower fat turkey pepperoni and ham.

“Serving healthy meals is not something we take lightly” says LeFrois.  “School meals are a key ingredient in the health of our children.  Fostering healthy eating habits also promotes academic success.  It is important that our meals serve as a compliment to the environment of learning in our schools.”