So far, healthier fare passes test in Dist. 79

Every parent with a finicky child knows it can sometimes be a challenge to get kids to eat healthy.

But at Fremont Elementary School District 79, which made wholesale changes this year to its cafeteria offerings, officials are saying switching to more nutritious options has been relatively painless.

"The kids are very happy with it," said Barbara Stout, food service director for Quest food management, which provides meals for district cafeterias.

She said they've changed from fried to baked "French fries" without most students being the wiser and they've also introduced whole wheat or whole grain into menu items from pancakes to sandwich breads.

There's more fruit offered, and now chocolate chip cookies are lower in fat and incorporate whole grains. Instead of regular corn dogs, kids happily munch away on turkey versions.

In most instances, "the kids don't seem to notice it," Stout said. In other areas, like with the removal of sugary sodas and sports drinks, the district offered 100 percent fruit juice "slushies" as tempting replacements.

"The kids walk around, they've got bright green tongues (from the slushies)," Stout said with a laugh.

It doesn't hurt that the items are tasty as well as healthy, she added.

"They're really good," Stout marveled, noting many companies providing food to schools already are meeting an increased demand for nutritious items that still satisfy kids' cravings. "A lot of companies, I guess, are starting to realize that."

Andrew Searle, business manager for the Mundelein-area district, said the food changes were part of an overall emphasis on health by the school board.

"It's not just nutrition, it's also fitness," Searle said, noting the district is seeking to incorporate health material into reading programs to help educate kids in two ways. "We figured we could do two things at once…(and) really encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle."

Searle said it's too soon to tell if cafeteria sales have been affected but says early indicators are positive.

"I haven't heard any negative comments," he said. The district "figured that there might be some drop-off at the beginning" but Searle said they were willing to accept a trade-off in sales during the adjustment period.

"As people get used to those choices and enjoy them, we figure they'll bounce back," he said.

In addition to adopting the new nutrition guidelines, the district also plans to develop activities like health fairs and raffles to increase awareness about healthy living.

And with the students already on board, officials said they're upbeat about the changes.

"They're real happy with everything so I'm happy," Stout said.