New food laws reshape lunches

Bailey DeLaere

With the changes to lunch regulations, junior Sarah Riedel and friends pack their own lunch. ” the food now is disgusting so i just bring my food from home,” Riedle said.

The new school year introduced new regulations on school sold food.

The  federal initiative led by Michelle Obama has put restrictions on in-school sold food in an effort to reduce childhood obesity and raise nutrition awareness.

“The intentions were great, getting kids to eat better is important but it will have negative affects,” student council adviser Amber Bronson said.

All entree foods will now have to contain 10% of the recommended daily fiber and a fruit, veggie, protein or dairy product as the first ingredient. Any pizza, bagels or sandwiches sold throughout the school must now be rich in whole grain.

Allowed a-La-carte snacks include cheez-Its, pop Tarts, rice krispies among other, low sodium, low fat snacks. The standards for such foods must include less than 35 percent of the recommended daily fat, less than 230mg per item and less than 350 calories per entree.

The new regulations not only affect lunches but also clubs and organizations through the school.

“Student council has been prepared for this, t shouldn’t effect us as much as smaller clubs,” Bronson said.

Bake sales, and sucker sales, two of the biggest fundraisers won’t be permitted on school grounds.

“I don’t like the changes at all,” junior Christina Atanasoska said, “There is no substance food left, it is all wheat and low fat snacks.”