TN Schools Improve Nutrition

Published October 29, 2009

Williamson County students are among thousands statewide who are benefiting from a selection of healthier food options at school. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Tennessee is in the top 10 for percentage of schools that offer healthier vending machine options to students.

The study found that a growing number of schools across the state eliminated junk food, soda and sugary juices from vending machines and replaced them with healthier options such as real fruit juice and water.

In Williamson County, the Child Nutrition Department recently adopted guidelines set forth by the American Beverage Association - which calls for offering only bottled water, milk and 100 percent fruit juice to students in elementary and middle school. In addition to water, milk and fruit juice, students in high school also have access to low calorie beverages and sport drinks.

According to Child Nutrition Manager James Remete, it's a move that's geared at improving the health of our students. “Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States and the responsibility for finding common-sense solutions is shared by everyone, including Williamson County Schools," said Remete. "Providing healthy choices for our students is a top priority."