School Lunch Contribution to Nutritional Intake of Low Income West Virginia Sixth Graders

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe compliance of consumed school lunches to nutrient goals and the strengths and weaknesses of lunch contributions to total daily intakes of 6th graders from low income areas of West Virginia.The purpose of this study was to assess compliance of the consumed school lunch (SL) to nutrient goals and to identify SL contributions to the daily nutritional intake of 6th graders in low income areas of West Virginia. Seventy-five rural public school students participated. To characterize the nutrient profile of the group, two 24-hr diet recalls were administered by trained interviewers using a standard protocol with food models and analyzed using Nutritionist IV. The ability to adequately recall was validated by comparison with at least one observed lunch. COMPLIANCE WITH LUNCH GOALS: For protein, both mean (28 g) and mid range (25m–75m percentile) values were within 1/3 the RDA. Although mean Vit A(378RE)and Vit C(24rng)wereabovel/3theRDA,50th percentile values were under mat goal indicating many children did not consume enough. Mean dietary fiber (3 g) was below 1/3 of the goal for children (5.6g). Although mean cholesterol (69 mg) was below 1/3 the maximum recommended, other lipid components exceeded standards. Percent calories from fat (%fat) was 38% with mid range 17–67%. Percent calories from saturated fat (%SFA) was 12% with midrange 10–21%. Mean sodium (Na –1264, midrange 924–1463 mg) exceeded 1/3 recommended amount. POSITIVE LUNCH CONTRIBUTIONS: The consumed SL contributed 37% of daily Vit A, 26% of daily Vit C and 35% of daily cholesterol. Daily goals for these nutrients were met. CONTRIBUTIONS IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT: Although lunches contributed about 1/3 of dairy calories (32%), Ca(38%), Fe (30%) and fiber (34%), total daily intakes were under nutrient goals. Daily %fat was 34% and %SFA 12% with SL contributing 36% to daily fat and 33% to daily SFA. Mean Na was 3376 mg with lunch contributing 38% of daily Na. Even if daily goals were not met, consumed SL provided at least 30% (except Vit C) for the day. This indicates the importance of providing meals and encouraging consumption of lunches that both meet Dietary Guidelines and contribute to the RDAs. This is particularly important in rural areas where children may be receiving a substantial portion of daily nutrients at school.