The Not-So-Bad

As I was looking through all of the school meals nutritional information, I found quite a few items that weren't as bad as I thought and/or could easily be improved upon without a lot of effort. Again, I'm encouraged that so many things just need a minor face lift!

The not-so-bad stuff:

• Mini-pancakes:  Label doesn't say so, but they have sweet potato in the them, giving them a boost of Vitamin A. Making them from whole wheat flour would be an improvement.
• Canned veggies: Small improvement - serve a brand without added sugar and/or salt. Big improvement - serve fresh or frozen. 
• Lowfat 1% milk: Switch to all skim. 
• Condiments: Switch to varieties with no HFCS and lighter versions where applicable (dressings, mayo)
• Dinner rolls: Switch to whole wheat.
• Cereal: Switch from sugary cereals to healthier ones. 
• Biscuits: Switch to whole wheat and/or offer less.
• English muffins: Switch to whole grain.
• American cheese: Use low-fat cheeses that aren't processed. 
• Chicken nuggets/patties: Made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but also a bunch of unnecessary ingredients. I've seen way worse, but I'd be happier with just giving the kids baked whole chicken pieces. 
• Mashed potatoes: Switch from instant to real. 
• Canned fruit in syrup: Serve fresh. 
• Crackers: Switch to whole grain. 
• Turkey breast: Switch to a variety with no fillers and additives. 
• Hot dog buns: Switch to whole wheat. 
• Cheddar & mozzarella cheeses: Switch to low-fat version.
• Fish sticks: Serve baked/grilled fish instead. 

Am I naive to think that these changes could be easy to make? I hope not!