Group gives St. Louis Schools an 'F' for lunch menu

By AP/KWMU

St. Louis, Mo. – The lunches served at St. Louis Public Schools have among the worst nutritional value of the 22 largest school districts that take part in the National School Lunch Program.

That's according to a study by a doctors group called the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The group found that school lunches still feature menus packed with unhealthy options and are short on nutritious vegetarian dishes.

Superintendent Diana Bourisaw says officials will closely study the findings and would welcome collaborative efforts to improve nutrition.

"Parents have a right to know that the food their children are eating at school is nutritious and healthy," she said, in a statement. "We take the health of our students seriously. A review of our lunch program would be in the best interest of our kids."

The group that performed the study is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventative medicine.

"If your family lives in San Diego; Fairfax, Va.; Charlotte, N.C.; or Pinellas County, Fla., your child will find healthy vegetarian options most days of the week," says PCRM dietitian Dulcie Ward, in a statement. "But if your home is in Atlanta; St. Louis, Omaha or Anchorage, your child may have a tough time finding healthy food."

More than 30 million children participate in the $8 billion program nationwide.