Students vote in ‘Presidential School Lunch Campaign’

By The Associated Press - 08/14/2008

While their parents are following the presidential campaign trail, students across the country will participate in their own election to name a “President of School Lunch” this fall.

Students will learn about the candidates’ nutritional values and physical fitness interests before casting their ballot to elect the nation’s favorite school lunch.

The third and final year of the “Vote for School Lunch” program will culminate this fall in a heated battle between candidates Pete Pizza, winner of the first-ever election in 2006; Biff Burger, winner of the 2007 fall election; and three new contenders that were designed and submitted by students: Gloria Grilled Cheese, Larry Lasagna and Petunia Pita Pocket.

Each candidate will relay the nutritional benefits of their school meal versions as well as their physical fitness and extra curricular activities.

The campaign will help educate students and parents about healthy food choices and encourage them to partake in physical fitness activities.

Providing an interactive opportunity to learn about healthy meal choices at school, Vote campaign activities include debates, contests and cafeteria elections. Hundreds of thousands of students have participated since the program began in 2006.

The program will also show how school meals have evolved into balanced, nutritious options for students. According to the “State of School Nutrition 2007” report, school nutrition programs have introduced students to more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and low-fat and reduced sugar food varieties. Today, a majority of schools offer fat-free milk, salad bars or prepackaged salads, low-fat yogurt and yogurt drinks, from-scratch baked items and even vegetarian meals.

The non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) invites students to vote online and learn more about this year’s candidates Pete Pizza, Biff Burger, Larry Lasagna, Gloria Grilled Cheese and Petunia Pita Pocket. Voting begins in schools and online at www.VoteForSchoolLunch.org and runs through National School Lunch Week, October 13-17, 2008.

The candidates are campaigning on their platform of sound dietary values, great taste and lunchroom versatility to be announced ‘President of School Lunch’ on Friday, Oct. 24, 2008.

Visit VoteForSchoolLunch.org to cast a vote or SchoolNutrition.org for more information on school lunch programs. SNA is a professional organization representing more than 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students.

— Courtesy of ARA content