Washington to Require Healthier School Lunches

In an effort to reverse the rapid increase in obesity among children, the government is requiring school districts in Arizona, and across the country, to make substantial changes in the school lunches they offer to their students. The new regulations, which could be implemented as early as the coming school year, require a reduction in salt content, and an increase in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Many school districts in the state, already hard pressed financially, expressed concern about the new regulations. One official noted that the new meals are projected to cost an additional $.14/lunch, with Washington expected to cover less than half of that. The official also noted that while the lunches will be healthier, "the kids won't like it."