Many of us remember the way school lunches used to be; one choice, that's it.  Well, times they are-a-changing.  The federal government put out guidelines for school districts to have a wellness policy in place this year.  School districts around the country wondered what other districts are doing to promote a healthy lifestyle.  To help, a national organization is creating profiles by visiting schools throughout the United States.  I headed to the lunch line to see what Savannah-Chatham County schools are doing right.
    
West Chatham Middle School students pour into the cafeteria for a favorite part of the day; lunch.  While pizza may seem like the popular choice, school officials hope the teens will also decide to pick up a healthier alternative.

"I like salad because you can choose like what you want to eat in the salad and what you don't want to eat and it's healthier for you." says 8th grader, Alexandria Creapaux.

Alexandria Creapaux is taking advantage of some of the district-wide lunch line changes:  chocolate milk that's only served two days a week, romaine lettuce instead of iceberg, and more fruits and veggies. 

The American Association of School Administrators is visiting Savannah-Chatham, discussing how the district is gearing students up for a healthy game of life.

"They've done their homework and they've put together a policy that will be good for this community and that I think will work." says  Sharon Adams-Taylor, the associate executive director of the American Association of School Administrators or AASA.

“It's just validating what we're doing and now we know that we are on the right track and having them come here and understanding what we're doing and that way, the world will know about Savannah Chatham School District." says Altheria Maynard, the district’s school nutrition director.

The goal is simple.
 
"If we can get more kids to just be outside, be healthy, ride their bicycles um you know walk and talk to their friends rather than instant message on the computer.” says West Chatham Middle School’s principal, Kerry Coursey.

With increased activity and each bite of healthy food, Creapaux knows the less likely she'll be to have weight problems or develop obesity linked diseases like diabetes or heart disease.

West Chatham Middle School has a student committee to discuss how the teens could eat better.  The students aren't the only ones leading a healthier lifestyle.  Teachers there are now in a walking group and a Weight Watchers group.

Related Links:

School Nutrition

Elementary Lunch Menu

Secondary Lunch Menu

American Association of School Administrators