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November 2011 Wellness News

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.

November 2011

November Highlights

American Diabetes Month Military Family Appreciation Month Diabetic Eye Disease Month Epilepsy Awareness Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month and COPD Awareness Month National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month National Healthy Skin Month National Long term Care Awareness National Marrow Awareness Month National Family Caregivers Month National Hospice Palliative Care National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Prematurity Awareness Month National Adoption Month Family Stories Month World Vegan Month National Roasting Month Banana Pudding Lovers Month Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month National Fun with Fondue Month National Georgia Pecan Month National Pepper Month National Pomegranate Month Peanut Butter Lovers Month Raisin Bread Month Sweet Potato Awareness Month National Pet Cancer Awareness PTA Healthy Lifestyle Month MADD's Tie One On For Safety Holiday (11/16-12/31) Native American Heritage Month

Students' Willingness to Purchase Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program

by Jill Eckart, BA, Kathryn A. Strong, MS, RD, Darlene K. Moppert, MS, RD, Neal D. Barnard, MD

From the Florida Public Health Review, 2010; 7, 64-69.
The significance of the study in determining if offering plant-based options as part of a comprehensive school wellness policy may encourage healthful eating patterns, and can complement the benefits of nutrition education and physical activity. Whereas more research is needed to assess the long-term effects of offering plant-based options in schools, providing these items appears to be feasible and beneficial in the short term.

Abstract
Offering plant-based options in school lunches may help schools meet U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrient standards by providing students with options that are low in fat and cholesterol-free. Research indicates that well planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all ages and have certain health benefits; however, it is not clear whether students are willing to incorporate vegetarian foods into their diets. We assessed students’ willingness to purchase vegan menu items in school lunches and evaluate the nutrient profiles of vegan and nonvegan menu items offered. Vegan items were offered once per week for four weeks in elementary and middle school cafeterias located in a demographically diverse school district. Researchers tracked menu items sold, nutrients of menu items offered, and ease of vegan item preparation. Vegan options accounted for more than half of the average number of meals sold at each school on study days. Vegan menu items were lower in total fat, saturated fat, and energy and provided more dietary fiber compared with the competing foods. Food service managers indicated that vegan menu items were easy to prepare. Students are willing to purchase vegan options offered in the school lunch line. Offering vegan school lunches on a regular basis may help food service directors meet nutrient standards and improve child nutrition.

To view the full study click the following link: Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program.