A report by the Westchester County Department of Health showed that Whitsons School Nutrition has had a significant impact on the nutritional value of meals students are selecting in just the first year of service.
A Health Department visit to a Whitsons elementary cafe found that students were choosing and eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products than they did when served by their previous vendor. The Department report also noted that in addition, the Whitsons program has eliminated vending machines selling candy and offers only 1 percent or non-fat milk instead of the whole milk that had been sold in the past.
The differences in the surveys from before and after Whitsons arrived show clearly that students can greatly improve their eating habits when given the opportunity. Fruit consumption rose from 3 percent in 2007 with the school’s previous vendor to 21 percent since Whitsons has been at the school. Vegetable selection increased from 33 percent to 77 percent of the students going for their greens. In addition, many students who did not choose side vegetables had entrees that were vegetable-based. When surveyed before Whitsons arrived, there were no whole grain products available in the café; this survey showed 81 percent of the students selecting a whole wheat product, which was featured in several of the meal choices as pasta, bread, or wraps. Students are also being offered a greater choice in hot entrees with Whitsons, which allows them to sample new healthy foods.
Whitsons School Nutrition brings a complete program of healthy initiatives to the schools we serve. Students are encouraged to include more fruits and vegetables in their meals by providing fresh, appealing choices, and also by serving homestyle entrees that include fruits and vegetables as a main ingredient. By serving almost exclusively whole wheat and whole grain products at elementary schools, Whitsons is helping children reduce their consumption of white flour and develop a preference for the healthier whole grains.
>> Back to News Articles List
>> Contact Whitsons for more information.
