Survey forms sent to 108 Ohio school districts asked which of 11 food-service practices they used. A statistical comparison of their responses against state figures on the profitability of food-service operations at similar districts reveals what works and what does not work. (MLF)

In 1989, California launched a statewide child health initiative including components on nutrition, health education, physical education, health services, counseling and psychological services, school safety, health promotion for staff, and parent and community involvement. A sidebar explains what principals can do to improve children's nutrition…

Concern over what kids eat-in and out of school has exploded in the past two years. Study after study shows that American children are becoming overweight and obese in dangerously high numbers. This is because of the proliferation of super-sized meals, ubiquitous fast-food restaurants, and less time and fewer options for physical activity are…

Gives a brief report on an experimental program that provided good tasting nutritious food to students during school breaks as an alternative to cafeteria school lunches. Describes program planning, how and where the food supplies were purchased, and how the program gained general acceptance. Includes a sample menu. (AEM)

In a properly designed and implemented central kitchen and commissary, nutrition is retained, student acceptability is high, and cost-effectiveness for the school district is attained. Employee productivity can be increased three or four times the average production rate. (MLF)

Lunches served in many school cafeterias are low in fiber and high in fat and salt. Some food service directors are willing to transform standard programs into models of healthful eating. School lunches teach children what is nutritionally desirable. (MLF)

Local restaurant managers suggested ways for the Orcutt Union School District, California, to set up a centralized, self-service lunch program that has reduced labor and food costs. Instructions for ordering an information packet about the program from the district are provided. (MLF)

A marketing survey to determine the factors that influenced Wichita, Kansas students and faculty to participate or not to participate in the school lunch program--and the employment of a marketing specialist to use the results of the survey--increased participation by more than 10 percent. (MLF)

San Diego food manufacturers were invited to submit bids on new food items--using as possible ingredients Department of Agriculture donated commodity foods--for the school food service programs. (MLF)

Reviews strategies used by Pennsylvania school food service directors to attract more students and keep down costs in the wake of National School Lunch Program cutbacks. (JBM)

Examined factors affecting attendance by elderly persons at 660 congregate meal sites. Results showed that measures of the quality of services provided (method of food preparation, type of building used, presence of other nutrition programs in the community) predicted attendance more than conventional demographic measures of need. (WAS)

Activities on the nutritional value of school lunches are provided, focusing on government nutritional guidelines and how the school cafeteria tries to meet them. Students learned nutrition and rationale/complexities behind putting together appetizing and nutritious school lunches. Includes lists of agencies providing nutrition information to…

The commitment made by the National School Lunch Act of 1946 is questioned. One of the Reagan administration's methods of balancing the budget appears to be contradictory to the promise of safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation's children. (GK)

Between 1989 and 1993, nearly 300 schools dropped out of the National School Lunch Program. Fast-food competition and open campuses lower student participation. In addition, complex rules and regulations apply to the federal program. Describes what some of the nonparticipating schools are doing to provide lunches to at-risk students. (MLF)

Schools are increasingly turning to fast-food restaurants such as Taco Bell, McDonald's, and Pizza Hut to fill the stomachs of kids turned off by standard school lunches. Kids are delighted, but critics say fast-food infiltration of school cafeterias encourages poor nutrition. Schools might consider adopting lighter fast-food fare or starting…