As Politicians Debate, Schools Look for Ways to Replace Lost Revenue

“The junk food and its revenue to our schools is gone – replacing those dollars with healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks will keep our kids fueled, thinking, playing and growing is an A+ idea whose time has come.”

Joe Gilbert, VP/GM Star Food Healthy Express

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the 2012 – 2013 school year begins the pressure on school foodservice directors is intense while budgets are down. Not to mention this election year’s political messages that promote cutting school and pre-school programs that feed kids.

“This is what is taking place right now, when children are going hungry and families signing up for low cost or free meals is at an all-time high. Star Food Healthy Express, the leader in school healthy meal vending, says there is a solution.”

“Could you serve thousands of students, often in only an allotted 20 minute lunch period, following hundreds of Federal guidelines, while maximizing nutrition and do it for less than $2.50*?” asks Joe Gilbert, VP /GM of Star Food Healthy Express.

“This is what is taking place right now, when children are going hungry and families signing up for low cost or free meals is at an all-time high. Star Food Healthy Express, the leader in school healthy meal vending, says there is a solution.”

“Reimbursable meals – which impacts 60% of all kids nationwide - are sometimes the only food a child gets during a day and a school is only reimbursed by the Federal government $2.72* (varies) for a meal that needs to be nutritious, inviting and purchased without shame,” said Gilbert.

“New dietary standards, pinched budgets, a push from the White House to “Move On” with child nutrition programs, some candidates considering cutting food programs and hardworking, smart nutrition professionals striving to keep up with the need to feed more kids at our public schools,” said Gilbert.

Debate at the school level continues: Can we bring in more produce from local farms? How do we get more low fat dairy? Why are the kids not eating what is being offered in the cafeteria?

Change is necessary and it comes together at the point of feeding more kids. The great news is that schools across the country are replacing lost revenue from the snack and soda machines that have disappeared from school campuses and brought in healthy vending machines to be sure kids can eat well.

“Chefs, farmers, dairy companies and technology have come together to not only feed these kids but be an educational tool to make kids aware of how the food choices they make impact how they feel and perform. Corporate America is joining in too, with companies like Wal-Mart providing grants to schools to install these new vending systems and bring back the revenue through healthy meal programs,” said Gilbert.

Program leader Star Food Healthy Express has machines in 22 states and more kids are getting fed, healthier food without discrimination. Increases of 25% are consistent nationwide with many districts now bringing in enough revenue to hire more food service personnel.

With more than 30 million children eligible for reduced cost or free meals we must assure they can be fed. The junk food and its revenue to public schools is gone – replacing those dollars with healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks will keep kids fueled, thinking, playing and growing. Vending adds the “cool factor” to healthy eating and is an A+ idea whose time has come.

For more information go to www.starfoodhealthyexpress.com.

*Varies nationwide