French Fries Eliminated from Brighton School Lunches

Veggies are in and french fries are out as Brighton Area Schools prepares for federally mandated school lunch changes that will go into effect at the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

“We're trying to get a step ahead. Before the big changes are mandated, we're trying to prepare the students,” Richard Browder, Brighton's Director of Student Nutrition, said.

This year's changes include the elimination of red dye foods, a decrease in sodium content, and an increase of red, orange, and green leafy vegetables. In addition, french fries will no longer be served with meals.

Brighton High School sophomore Alexis Willey looks forward to the changes.

“The food isn't the healthiest. Seems like pizza and fries a lot,” Willey said.

Allison Lunau, BHS junior, agreed but added that she appreciates the options her school offers.

“There's a lot of variety and everything is always good, but there's just not enough healthy food,” Lunau said.

At Brighton High, students have 28 main dishes to choose from on any given day. In addition to pizza, the cafeteria offers grilled or breaded chicken sandwiches, paninis, build-your-own deli sandwiches, nachos, tacos, fajitas, a pasta bar, six different types of pre-made salads, and more. Sushi is served on Wednesday and Thursdays.

"I've visited a lot of schools throughout Michigan, and none of them come close. Most of them have two choices per day," Browder said.

By the time next year rolls around, students will have more options as well as healthier standard lunches. As required by the USDA, Brighton Area Schools will make the following changes to its menu at the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

• Starchy vegetables, including peas, potatoes, and corn, will be served only once per week
• The portion size of all vegetables will be increased
• Orange, red, and green leafy vegetables will be served more frequently
• Only non-fat flavored milk will be served
• All bread will be composed of 51% whole grain

The menu changes won't entirely eliminate unhealthy foods from the cafeteria. Even though area parents have advocated their removal in the past, french fries will still be available for a la carte purchase at , , and Brighton High School, Browder said. For now, Matlby will continue to serve baked fries as a side dish with standard school lunches once per week.

“Things in moderation are okay. The world doesn't have to eliminate cookies and ice cream to be healthy,” Browder said, adding that a healthy lifestyle requires frequent exercise.

Browder is hoping to form committees as a way to acclimate students to the changes as well as solicit suggestions for further changes.

“We're open to suggestions, and we're always willing to talk to parents,” Browder said.