It was 30 minutes into the October 5 lunch at Johnson Elementary School, and cafeteria manager Myrtle Brooks had already dispensed 206 corn dogs (as compared to only 39 chef salads). But not to worry—each of those corndoggers got their daily fruit and veg, as well. For every corndog (made of turkey, by the way, not pork) each student also received a bag of carrots and a choice between fresh apples or a banana.
The system is one of controlled choice: Albemarle County students who want “Rocco’s Soft Tacos” on Thursday, October 12, must also leave the lunch line with a heap of grapes or mixed fruit. Choosing a meatball sub or popcorn chicken on Monday, October 16, also means taking sliced peaches or a mixed salad. Both City and County schools offer a daily alternative to meat-centered meals—vegetarian-minded youngsters can snap up salad meals with rolls and fruit, or a classic PB&J.
This carrot-and-stick approach—which seeks to up kids’ nutritional intake—is what Barbara Green, assistant administrator of Nutrition Services for Charlottesville City schools, means when she talks about “controlled choice.” Another example: “We have skim, 1 percent, and flavored skim milks,” she says. “And, though we carry a little whole milk, it is not flavored.” Students who desire a bit of chocolate or strawberry in their milk must take the low-fat option.
Such culinary consideration has not gone unrewarded: At a February 23 Albemarle County School Board meeting, two area schools received Governor’s Nutrition and Physical Activity awards for their efforts in promoting health through “smart snacking.” Brownsville Elementary School and Agnor-Hurt Elementary School received bronze and gold awards, respectively, for their efforts. Walker Elementary earned a silver award last year, says Green.—Brendan Fitzgerald
