To the revised school lunch standards revealed by the United States Department of Agriculture last month.
The standards are part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which ensures students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day and increases the offering of whole grain-rich food, according to a media release.
Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties, ensuring proper portion size, and reducing the amounts of saturated fat, trans fat and sodium are also part of the effort. Starting in 2012-13, the standards will be phased in over three years.
Breakfast nutrition is also included in the effort, but most changes will come later.
"Everybody is trying to figure out what it means," Edmeston Central School food services director Brian Belknap said. But the school is already "way ahead of curve," serving whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables every day,
We agree with one of Belknap's concerns: "It's one thing to put it on a plate, it's another thing to get them (students) to eat it."
But if it's not there, the children won't have a chance.
We look forward to seeing healthier options available to the students and we hope they take advantage of them.
To the students who took part in the All County Band Festival on Feb. 4 at Worcester Central School.
The event brought together the best student-musicians from Otsego County for the annual festival.
All too often, students are praised for their athletic prowess, while musical talents aren't given as much attention. Student music festivals such as that and area all-state concerts let our young instrumentalists showcase their talents and meet other students from the area.
We congratulate the pupils on their selection and thank everyone who attended the concert for showing their support.
To everyone who helped welcome home Army Spec. Michael Dow on Feb. 4 at the Oneonta Veterans Club.
Dow was on leave from Fort Riely, Kan., after serving more than eight months in Afghanistan. Dow said he enlisted Oct. 8, 2008, at age 32, because he wanted to take a part in bettering the United States.
His choice to become a combat medic was driven by a desire to protect and help others, Dow said.
"There were several incidences when I had to perform my duties as a medic," said Dow, who described himself as dependable and "an experienced first responder."
He occasionally provided medical aid to members of the Afghan forces and local residents, he said.
Dow, who said he has been notified of a pending promotion to sergeant, has been with the "Big Red One" infantry division at Fort Riley since June 2009.
We congratulate Dow on his promotion and think the party was a wonderful way to thank him for his service. We also thank all of our local servicemen and servicewomen, some of whom are on their third or more tour, for their service to our country.
