Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) news release
On August 14, 2007, a group called Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) graded the Anchorage School District school lunch program with an ‘F’ in their annual school lunch survey: www.pcrm.org/news/release070814.html.
Here is how PCRM scored ASD:
Anchorage School District: F
State: Alaska
Not graded in 2006
Obesity and Chronic Disease Prevention |
40 |
Health Promotion and Nutrition Adequacy |
14 |
Nutrition Initiatives |
6 |
TOTAL |
60 |
Located in Alaska, the Anchorage School District serves a diverse population of approximately 50,000 students.
Although vegetarian options are served each Monday and vegan items are available upon request, there is little promotion of these plant-based entrées and their benefits. They are not included, or highlighted, on the menu and there is no educational information about them.
Anchorage could raise its score by adding some of these healthful items to its regular menu. Typical menu items include cinnamon-glazed toast with turkey sausage, mini-corn dogs, and a baked chicken sandwich.
When fresh fruits are not available, food service staff substitute canned fruit or sugar-free juice. Low-fat and fresh vegetables sides are available most days of the week, but tater tots, baked French fries, and potato coins appear regularly.
Some nutrition education is offered through cooking classes, and the food service department is willing to speak to any classrooms that request a presentation.
2007 School Lunch Report Card
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ASD Response
It is important to note that the American Medical Association has condemned ongoing activities of PCRM.
Parents and community members should be reassured that the district’s student nutrition program meets or exceeds all standards set forth by the USDA for school lunches. The Student Nutrition department is constantly reviewing and improving school breakfast and lunch nutritional content to maintain student demand of healthy and appealing meals.
According to PCRM’s Web site, the goal of their healthy school lunch program is to "increase the availability of healthful plant-based foods in schools." It goes on to say "To earn a high grade on PCRM’s School Lunch Report Card, school districts must go above and beyond USDA requirements, which many nutrition experts believe are inadequate. The guidelines permit high-fat, high-cholesterol foods to be regularly featured in school lunches and do not require school districts to serve any plant-based meals or, in most cases, to offer nondairy beverages."
The survey used several factors to grade schools, including promotion of healthful plant-based options, number of vegan and non-dairy meals available and maintaining school gardens.
To learn about the ASD Student Nutrition program, including nutritional guidelines, lunch menus and frequently asked questions, click here.
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