School Lunches (And Other Lunch Facts)

You’ve probably wondered a lot about school hot lunches. Like what’s in the mushroom surprise or the school’s macaroni. A lot of kids think that school lunches are gross, but others think they’re great. Some people don’t like them because they think that they’re fattening, there is rubber in them, or they are too greasy and unhealthy. Some people choose to eat school lunches because it’s more convenient, they don’t have the time to pack their lunches in the morning, or they don’t know what they should eat.

Actually, school hot lunches aren’t allowed to have more than 30% of their calories from fat per week. The amount of saturated fat has to be less than 10% of the calories per week.

When the school gives you a lunch that is low in fat, it replaces fatty items with things like bread, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. That way, you get the nutrients and calories that you need to stay healthy. The schools don't just feed you fruits, vegetables, and other items like the ones above when the food is low in fat. They feed them to you all of the time. Why? Because fruits and vegetables are healthy side dishes and snacks, not just to add calories to your lunch.

So next time you're in the cafeteria and are about to pass by the fruits and vegetables, think again. You'll need those to stay healthy.

If you would like to find out more about calories and fats, be sure to check out our nutrition guide, All About Nutrition (And What's Best for You)!