COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Health care professionals are concerned about the rising rate of overweight children around the country.
In Columbus, more than 40 percent of fifth-grade students are considered obese, so Columbus City Schools is offering more fruits and vegetables at lunch.
The slogan is Healthy Bodies, Active Minds.
The Centers for Disease Control said overweight children have a strong risk for Type Two diabetes.
CCS is trying to cut that risk because students spend up to 30 percent of their day in school, where they get up to 50 percent of their daily calories.
Abbott Nutrition donated $55,000 to pay for new salad bars, refrigeration equipment and new signs.
West High School has had the program for four years, but it is now available in all CCS middle and high schools.
"A healthy student is a better student and studies also back that up," said Michael Straughter, of CCS.
An electronic sign reminds students to make a choice to eat healthy and not forget the broccoli and cauliflower.
Student Alexandra Patterson said she doesn't mind.
"I think it's nice. The healthier choices are better. It helps me think that maybe it's better to think better and I need to watch what I'm eating and it helps you be more athletic and just better off altogether," Patterson said.
The vending machines now have a color-coded chart, showing which snacks are healthy choices and which ones should be eaten in moderation.
The Pepsi machines in the hallways now carry bottled water, rather than soda.
"It's OK. You can get that at home, but when you're in school, you're not concerned about that, so hyped up on pop you can't really focus on class," said Monty Campbell, a student.
District officials agree that healthier food may often cost more but that it is worth the money for better attendance and healthier students in the long run.
"With the healthier food, there may be an additional cost up front, but it pays for itself on the back end of it through better nutrition, better attendance rate and just overall fitness and health and reduced trips to the doctor," Straughter said.
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