Students Vote Pete Pizza Winner of National School Lunch Election

(ARA) - Student voters from across the country have made their decision, and Pete Pizza is taking the national prize as winner of the Vote for School Lunch 2008 Presidential Election.

While things heated up in the presidential campaign trail, students across the country participated in their own election to name a "President of School Lunch" this fall. Students learned about the candidates' nutritional values and physical fitness interests before casting their ballot to elect the nation's favorite school lunch.

The third and final year of the "Vote for School Lunch" program culminated in a heated battle between candidates Pete Pizza, winner of the first-ever election in 2006; Biff Burger, winner of the 2007 fall election; and three new contenders that were designed and submitted by students: Gloria Grilled Cheese, Larry Lasagna and Petunia Pita Pocket.

The campaign helped educate students and parents about healthy food choices and encouraged them to partake in physical fitness activities. Providing an interactive opportunity to learn about healthy meal choices at school, campaign activities included debates, contests and cafeteria elections. The candidates campaigned on their platform of sound dietary values, great taste and lunchroom versatility. Hundreds of thousands of students have participated since the program began in 2006.

The program also showed how school meals have evolved into balanced, nutritious options for students. According to the "State of School Nutrition 2007" report, school nutrition programs have introduced students to more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and low-fat and reduced sugar food varieties. Today, a majority of schools offer fat-free milk, salad bars or prepackaged salads, low-fat yogurt and yogurt drinks, from-scratch baked items and even vegetarian meals.

Lunch trays reflect healthy, balanced meals in age appropriate portions that appeal to students' tastes. Federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans set standards for essential protein, vitamins and minerals and limit calories from fat for all meals within the federally funded National School Lunch Program, which serves 30 million children daily. Additionally, local wellness policy requirements have prompted schools to develop nutrition requirements for all foods and beverages sold in the cafeteria.

The non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) created the Vote for School Lunch campaign. More about this year's candidates Pete Pizza, Biff Burger, Larry Lasagna, Gloria Grilled Cheese and Petunia Pita Pocket can be found at www.VoteForSchoolLunch.org. SNA is a professional organization representing more than 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students and are dedicated to feeding children safe and nutritious meals.

Courtesy of ARAcontent