Parents Can Monitor School Lunch Choices

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

Have you ever wondered what your child was eating for school lunch? Have you ever been concerned about the possible food choices your child might be making? Or wished that you could prevent your child from purchasing certain types of foods?

Well now thanks to Data Futures, a Kentucky based software program you can. Over 3,200 schools across the country are using the LunchBox program, which allows parents to track what their child is eating. When a student buys a lunch they must enter a four-digit code into a keypad at the register. Each item has a different code. Parents can then go online and see what their kids bought for lunch. The program also allows parents to put certain items on a banned item list, preventing their child from purchasing that item in the cafeteria.

In July 2006 the USDA announced approval of the Lunchbox software. Besides allowing parents to track their child's lunch choices the software is used by child nutrition directors. Districts use the program to implement Nutrient Standard Menu Planning, required for K-12 schools. The LunchBox software helps analyze recipes and menus and ensure that grade-specific nutrient standards are being met.

Bob Harris, Data Futures President, said: "Our company has been serving school districts for almost 25 years. We understand that school nutrition operations are on the front lines in the war against childhood obesity. Nutrient analysis software like LunchBox is a much-needed weapon that promotes wellness and fosters interesting, varied and healthy meals in the school cafeteria." With childhood obesity on the rise many parents find the idea of school lunch nutrition planning made possible through LunchBox and other programs a great asset.

So now instead of just wondering whether or not your child is eating a healthy lunch you can know.

For additional information about the LunchBox Menus or the LunchBox software visit www.lunchbox-k12.com.

Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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