Our Opinion: Changing nutrition standards, tastes, habits

"Everything in moderation, nothing in excess."

- Attributed to Socrates

An irony of life in America is indicated by references to both an obesity epidemic and a hunger problem.

With regard to what Americans eat, let's not toss first lady Michelle Obama's platform - or its manifestation, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010 - into the trash bin, just yet.

A Dec. 7 news story reported congressional Republicans were seeking waivers to the law based on complaints from school food service personnel that the standards are too costly, restrictive and unpopular.

And a Sunday story reported declining student participation in school lunch programs at some St. Louis-area schools. The Associated Press story read: "Disgruntled teens are sharing unappetizing pictures of their lunches on social media under the hashtag "ThanksMichelleObama' - a sarcastic nod to the first lady, who championed the changes."

Let's look at some factors, both nationally and locally.

First, the interest in better nutrition - in individual choices and government legislation - is a response to rising health concerns, particularly obesity rates. That trend largely reflected the tendency among busy people to zap a processed meal or grab fast food rather than prepare balanced meals at home.

More recently, a renewed interest in organic foods, calorie counting and food labeling - as well as the popularity of prime-time cooking shows - are indicators that Americans' tastes are changing.

And, although high school students historically complain about school lunches, participation in the Jefferson City School District has remained "pretty steady," according to Terri Ferguson, director of food services.

Ferguson points out the standards have been phased in gradually over the past four years and the staff has refined ingredients and techniques to preserve taste and maintain compliance.

"We have high participation among the 53 percent who are eligible for free or reduced meals," Ferguson said, "and the other 47 percent has remained about the same."

Just as more individuals and families are opting for nutritious meals, so school food service personnel and students are adapting to new standards.

In Sunday's news story, the common denominator focused on changing habits, which invariably takes time.

As Marlene Pfeiffer, food services director at the Parkway School District said, "The little guys are eating more fruits and vegetables than they were three years ago. It takes a few years to get the palate turned around, and that's harder for older students."

Improved health and nutrition may take time, but they are positive trends and worthy goals.