Students Aren't Hungry for Health Students making their daily lunch decision - Cole Coffman Advertising Sunday, January 16, 2011 By Cole Coffman Jeffco school lunch prices are going to be increasing on Monday, February 7 due to President Obama’s newly signed bill Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This new bill will require our local districts to meet the new federal guidelines for healthier meals.     This move to make school meals healthier has the school using far less processed foods and more locally grown foods. All bread products will now be whole grain and any product with high fructose corn syrup is now unavailable. The change will be freshly grown fruits and vegetables.     Dakota Ridge’s cafeteria manager, Ms. Denise Lewis, spoke on the matter, stating, “These changes are here to stay. This is not something we’re just trying out. Due to the bill that was passed the price raises are going to be permanent to meet federal requirements.”     Students that are receiving free or reduced lunches will not be effecting by these new changes. The reduced meals are a federal program so they have already met the federal requirements.     Students with free or reduced priced meals are relieved that they will see no price change. Demand for food assistance rose 45 percent in 2010 for Jefferson County. In 2010 Jeffco received over 18,000 food-stamp applications compared to 2009’s 12,567.             Unemployment may be the most disturbing problem as 8.1 % of Coloradans find themselves jobless. While 8.1 % may be better than the national average it still is poor and when people don’t have a job it simply becomes to difficult to put food on the table without assistance.     Many students are against the new price raise, Nic Crossly, a sophomore had this to say, “Well while the food at Dakota is going to be more expensive, the food at McDonalds and Anthony’s [Pizza] won’t be so why would anyone not go off campus now?” Another sophomore, Henry Hopp said, “The food here is terrible. They say it will be healthier which pretty much means it is going to taste even worse. Once I get my license I hope I never have to eat the school lunch again.”     Randy Lemons took a different view to two firm arguments by saying, “If the food will be healthier then it is definitely worth an extra fifty cents. If the President thinks it will work then we should do it.”     Clearly the lunch prices are on student’s minds.The price changes are here to stay so whether students are for or against the move, it will be taking place February 7th, so be sure to plan accordingly.

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