Opinions About Food Service

• 81% of parents are generally satisfied with the meals program in their child's school.

• Parent focus their attention on nutrition - they would like schools to offer more traditional meals along with healthy options. Students are more interested in "fast food" options.

• More than 70% of parents say they are willing to have their children eat school meals more often and would pay more if the standards are improved.

• 66% of parents think that menu planning should be based on nutritional content rather than the presence of particular food groups.

• 77% of parents believe that breakfast should be offered at school, while 61% support the availability of snack bar operations.

Family Lifestyle and Trends

The eating habits of Americans have changed dramatically in recent years as families increasingly dine on the run. In 1970, 26% of the food dollar was spent away from home. By 1999 the number grew to 48%. While the average number of meals has remained stable, snacking has nearly doubled since the mid- 1980s.

Data from the Kids and Schools Meals Study indicates that there is a wide range of diversity in children's eating habits. For example, younger children tend to eat throughout the day.

• About 25% of all children attend an after school program.

• A majority of parents participate in school-based activities.

• 67% of all parents ascribe a high degree of importance to physical exercise and 61% of children take part in team sports.

• Parents want schools to provide nutrition education. Based on children's responses related to their eating habits, there is an opportunity to help them better understand nutrition and wellness concepts.

• 75% of parents say they have access to the Internet, and of those, 33% are interested in using the Internet to pat for their child's school meals.

• Nearly all children eat and after-school snack.

• Most children buy their snacks off school grounds.

• 8% of children aged 8 to 10 say they have a job. This increases to 33% for ages 11 to 13 and 41% for ages 14 to17.

• 25 % of students take additional classes and lessons beyond the regular school day.

• Time spent with friends represents the students' favorite activity. Sports Illustrated is the favorite magazine for boys, while Teen, Teen People, and YM are the girl's favorites.