Last month the American Dietetic Association published the first School Nutrition Dietary Assessment study. This study showed that children and adolescents are not meeting their dietary recommendations to promote good health. It was found that students have an increased intake of total fat and sodium. Students are also not getting enough calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E.

With at least one-third of a student’s total daily intake from foods and beverages obtained and eaten at school, it is important to provide health options to the students. Meals should focus on low-fat, low-salt foods and encourage the increased intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

It is important for parents to not only be aware of what their children are eating at school, but to voice their options and desire for healthy food options. One way we can promote healthy nutrition choices and physical activity in our elementary schools is by becoming a Gold Medal School. Fifteen elementary schools in Tooele County participate in the Gold Medal School program.

The Utah Department of Health developed the Gold Medal Schools program to help combat the rise of overweight and obese children. The following is an example of activity provided at a Gold Medal School. The school works to establish a walking program on or around the school grounds; develops a policy for all teachers and staff to emphasize that food is not to be used as a reward or punishment; write a comprehensive policy that mandates a tobacco-free school; offers nutrition education; and writes a policy that bans advertising of less nutritious food choice and promotes healthy food choices. Not only do schools that participate increase the health of their students, but the school can earn up to $1,500 for nutrition resources, P.E. equipment and tobacco prevention. For more information on Gold Medal Schools visit www.hearthighway.org/gms/index.html.

For junior high and high schools, parents should advocate replacing the soda in vending machines with water and 100 percent fruit juice. Candy in vending machines can be replaced with healthier options such as pretzels, dried fruit and trail mix. Parents should encourage the school cafeteria to replace white flour products with whole wheat. The cafeteria should also offer the option of a fresh salad bar and avoid high fat, high calorie foods. It is important that schools include nutrition education as part of health classes.

It is important we teach our children healthy habits they can use for the rest of their lives. Start by contacting your child’s school and suggest they take a more active role in the health of the students.

Melissa Black is a registered dietitian who lives in Erda and currently works for Intermountain Healthcare. She received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science from Utah State University.