Jackson County School Board Explores Healthier Food Options
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Updated: 8:13 AM Nov 19, 2009
Jackson County School Board Explores Healthier Food Options
Obesity continues to increase across the United States especially with children and adolescents. But one county school system is trying to change that problem.
Posted: 8:14 AM Nov 19, 2009
Reporter: Vanessa Nguyen
Email Address: vanessa.nguyen@wjhg.com
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Obesity continues to increase across the United States especially with children and adolescents.
But one county school system is trying to change that problem.
The Jackson County School Board is planning to introduce healthier food options into their menus.

Students at Sneads High School had a choice of a fish sandwich, cheese grits, burgers or pizza during lunch Wednesday.
But that's not all.
"We started back in August with putting on our menus, fresh fruits and vegetables everyday. At lunchtime, we offer a fresh salad everyday," says Jackson County Food Services Director Jack Noonan.
There's also canned fruit and a choice of orange juice or milk.
All for just two dollars.
While the fish sandwich was popular Wednesday, students' choices may soon increase....and become even healthier.
"We've contacted a local co-op here for fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown locally and delivered locally. We've signed on with them and hopefully we're gonna be getting delivery very soon."
The food changes are part of the "Eat Smart, Live Smart, Be Smart" program from food service provider, Sodexho.
The menu overall will focus on portion sizes and will be based on a standard daily recommended calorie, fat, cholesterol and sodium intake.
The goal is to reduce childhood and teenage obesity.
Despite the menu changes, Noonan believes there are other factors contributing to the problem.
"It has to do with more of the Playstation and XBoxes and just the fact that children like to sit and watch television and they don't like to get out of the house like older folks did when they were younger."
School board members say they're also addressing that concern by providing more physical education programs.

For more information on obesity, log onto the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.com