Food served in public schools likely will look healthier in coming years, but local and state officials still are unsure how the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act will affect meals served in the Hamilton County Schools system.
“They’ve given us a framework, but specifically how it’s going to impact us, we don’t know yet,” said Carolyn Childs, director of school nutrition for the system.
For instance, Childs said, the federal government wants to expand the after-school and breakfast programs, but by how much? She’s not sure.
The idea behind the $4.5 billion measure signed recently by President Obama is to combat childhood obesity by providing healthier guidelines for school meals, as well as providing food to more children in poverty.
One of the biggest changes for Hamilton County, Childs said, is that students who attend schools in poor communities automatically will be eligible for free, federally subsidized lunches without having to fill out an income-based application.