obesity may be multiple however, school lunch programs contribute to the problem. School cafeterias sell high-calorie soft drinks, fast food items, and high-fat items such as pizza. Middle and high school have vending machines and snack bars that sell junk foods and soft drinks. Raising the prices of these foods would not hamper a child's nutrition. However it is important for schools to find a way to maintain food value and keep nutritional foods affordable to all students. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables need to be offered to all students at prices they can afford. Initiatives such as the farm to school program are being used to assist schools in providing these fresh foods. While schools with large numbers of students who receive free or reduced-priced lunches are less likely to be affected by increases in school lunch prices, the fact remains that all students must be adequately fed.
"Why middle schools are being questioned" by Nussbaum (2004,ßSeptemberß12). This article presents the finding that K-8 schools are now functioning at higher levels of achievement. Data shows that the K-8 model works and it is argued that more and more schools need to be converted to fit this model. New Jersey has 335 middle schools and these are turning to the model at a high rate along with long-range plans to change all middle schools and construct ten K-8 schools.
Nussbaum reported that some educators believe that putting this age group together in the same building will lead to problems, while others view this as a unique time and place to deal with the problems that go along with this group. Despite arguments for middle schools, the Rand Corporation pointed out that U.
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