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School Lunches May Be Healthier Than Many Brought From Home

A recent academic study of three rural elementary schools found that lunches packed at home usually contained more calories, fat and saturated fat.

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The Summer Food Program began Monday, June 7, 2010. This meal, served at the Austin Boys and Girls Club South, consisted of a half-pint of milk, a ham sandwich on wheat bread with mustard, celery and an assorted fruit cup.
Credit: Spencer Selvidge

Despite the popular perception that home-packed lunches are healthier than those prepared in school cafeterias, a recent academic study of three rural elementary schools found that lunches packed at home usually contained more calories, fat and saturated fat. Researchers found that cafeteria options had less sugar and more vegetables, protein, fiber, vitamin A and calcium than their home-packed counterparts. (Reuters)

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