DALLAS - About one in five children is considered obese in the United States.
Children labeled obese can suffer health issues ranging from high cholesterol to high blood pressure and diabetes, which has become more prevalent in children. Part of the problem is what kids are eating.
A recent report sent to the federal government stated less than half of children are getting as much calcium and fiber as they need.
While schools are working to offer healthier choices during lunch, day cares aren't held to the same standards.
An Institute of Medicine report has recommended sweeping changes in what day care centers feed pre-school children for breakfast, lunch and snack time.
When it is lunchtime at the Bock Center, a federally-funded day care for low-income children, all the major food groups are covered. On the menu when WFAA paid a visit was hamburger stroganoff, green beans, peaches and milk. However, the fruits and veggies came from a can, which administrators acknowledge is less than ideal.
"No, we can't," said Lori Carey, the nutrition coordinator, when asked if they can serve the children fresh vegetables and fruits daily. "We wish we could but it's challenging because it's expensive."
The USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program provides meal funding for three million children in day care. But, federal guidelines for their nutrition is currently limited.
Among new recommendations from the Institute of Medicine are more fresh fruits and vegetables, no fried foods and zero trans fats. One percent milk is also recommended for children over two, and more whole grains.
Those at the Child Care Group, which runs the Bock Center, say it sounds great, if there's more money, too.
"It all comes down to the federal government helping out to provide these foods for these kids," Carey said.
Until then, the Child Care Group is making the best choices it can. Teachers model good eating habits so kids learn to do the same, and there's no desert with lunch, which kids don't seem to mind at all.
If the recommendations are adopted on a federal level, they would also change what adult day care centers serve at mealtime.
