EDGE

It’s Lunchtime!

by Diane Ruff

Lunchtime is always a school favorite for many children. In fact, those who sometimes skip breakfast look forward to this middle-of-the day treat. Lunch is provided by a variety of sources: home, fast food chains, friends, and the school’s cafeteria, just to name a few. Regardless of the source, what are the guidelines for providing a healthy, nutritional meal for children?


Scientific research indicates that what one eats significantly impacts longevity, health, and quality of life.1   One of the results of poor eating habits is obesity. The National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion states that, “Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.”2   In fact, childhood obesity is now viewed as an “epidemic” in our nation as approximately one-third of children in America between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight.3  In order to fully embrace the philosophy of Seventh-day Adventist education in the development of “the physical powers,” we must take a closer look at how the obesity crisis is affecting students in our institutions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in response to the Obama administration’s attempt to reduce childhood obesity rates across the country, is increasing the availability of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables with less sodium and saturated fat to help bolster nutritional standards for breakfast and lunch meals in schools. Food portion sizes are also a concern. Therefore, the new nutritional plan will also include guidelines for caloric intake. 4  The explosion of supersized fast food and huge sugary drinks is detrimental to the health of children. In an effort to provide quality nutrition, Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative has been launched to encourage every school — public and private — in the nation to begin the day with the National School Breakfast Program, since half of a child’s daily calories are consumed at school. Let’s Move, America’s move to raise a healthier generation of children, includes not only food and nutrition education, but also physical activity tips.5

Ellen White cautioned years ago that a reform in diet was needed. Her counsel indicates that in order to strengthen moral perception in children, the diet should consist of grain, vegetables, and fruit.6   Additionally, she recommends a simple diet with a limited amount of fat from vegetable sources.7  Breakfast is so important that children should never leave home without it!8  Salt should be used sparingly. “If anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water, drunk some little time before or after the meal, is all that nature requires. Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues,” she wisely wrote.9

The government’s plan to reduce the availability of high saturated fat foods, such as French fries and pizza, on school menus will help to lower obesity statistics across the nation.  President Obama recently signed a law granting more authority to the federal government to establish criteria for food items sold in school vending machines.10  The goal is to encourage healthier lifelong eating habits not only at school, but at home or wherever else children seek sustenance.

The obesity crisis in our country should not be viewed lightly as it threatens not only the life of our children, but the future of our Church.  The invitation is extended to all Seventh-day Adventist homes, churches, and schools to begin moving to improve the health and wellness of our families and children through a healthy diet, physical activity, and trust in the Lord as we as we herald Jesus’ soon return.

For more information about Let’s Move, go to http://www.letsmove.gov/
For information about having a healthy edge, go to  http://www.adventistedge.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=103

Diane Ruff is Southern Union elementary education associate director.

1   High Costs of Poor Eating Patterns in the United States, Elizabeth
     Frazao.
2   National Center for Chronic Disease and Health Promotion
3   Feds to Tighten School Nutrition Standards, CNN Health,
     January 13, 2011.
4   Ibid.
5   Let’s Move, go to http://www.letsmove. gov/
6   Solemn Appeal, E. G. White, p. 66.1
7   Counsels on Diet and Foods, E. G. White, Chapter 21 Fats, p.353
8   Child Guidance, E. G. White, Chapter 62, Eating to Live, p. 390.1
9   Ibid, E. G. White, Chapter 24, Beverages, p. 420.1
10 Feds to Tighten School NutritionStandards, CNN Health,
     January 13, 2011.