Don’t Blame Local School

Lunches For Obesity

To the Editor:

This letter is being sent in response to the August 20, 2003, open letter regarding Newtown Public School’s food service program. I am the general manager overseeing the food program at Newtown, and I wanted the opportunity to correct inaccuracies brought to your readers’ attentions.

It is true that child obesity has reached epidemic proportions in our country, and Sodexho is concerned about this issue and understands the importance of proper nutrition. One important thing to keep in mind is that this problem can be attributed to a number of contributing factors. There are many trends impacting obesity including the prevalence of fast food and convenience store outlets, the super size phenomena and students have greater discretionary capabilities. Also, the majority of children in the United States have unfortunately experienced a decrease in physical activity.

Sodexho’s foodservice program feeds students at the most for five meals per week, and we accommodate the needs of our students by offering tremendous menu options. As I explain our program, you will see that many of the concerns from the previously addressed are moot and have no support.

The majority of students at Newtown purchase the “type A” lunch containing an entrée, milk, and a choice of two sides from Sodexho’s offerings bar. These choices contain fruits, vegetables, salads, and other healthy options.

In addition to this, Newtown has a healthy snack program that offers students cut up carrots and fruit cups available every day during lunch.

Vending machines are restricted to middle and high schools only, and carbonated beverages are nowhere in the foodservice program. Our snack items are single-serving sizes to prevent overeating and Sodexho uses its own NutriKids© database to modify classic school food items into nutritional dishes. For example, our chicken nuggets contain half the amount of calories and fat grams of that of a leading fast food chicken nugget and we use low-fat part-skimmed cheeses in many of our dishes instead of regular cheese.

By looking at our menu options, it might appear that students are receiving the same heavy school meals from years past that are loaded with saturated fat and calories, however you can see that Sodexho has successfully modified its menu options so both parents and students are happy with the choices. I assure you, that as a registered dietician, I take great strides in preparing nutritious menus for the students at Newtown day-in and day-out. If anyone ever has a question about our program, I am more than happy to speak to you and can be reached at 426-7637.

Sincerely,

Karen Cook

Sodexho General Manager

Newtown Public Schools

12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook                                                                                           October 15, 2003