Lunchables Will Soon Be Sold in School Cafeterias

What’s the story?

• Lunchables will be sold in school cafeterias starting this fall as the product is updated to comply with government nutritional guidelines. 

How will Lunchables change?

• Kraft Heinz, the company that makes Lunchables, said they would offer two options with “improved nutrition” — Lunchables Turkey and Cheese Cracker Stackers and Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza. Both options were designed to meet National School Lunch Program guidelines, which limit sugar and sodium in school meals. 
• However, nutritional experts are not convinced. Meghan Maroney, federal child nutrition programs campaign manager at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, is concerned about “copycat” foods, which are made to be a healthy replicate of popular unhealthy foods. 
• Maroney said Kraft Heinz has been advertising Lunchables in schools for several months. She said: 

“They’re really marketing foods to parents when they do this. It’s confusing to parents and kids.”

Lunchables controversy 

• Lunchables have been a go-to option for busy parents and kids since they were first introduced in 1988, as they require little preparation and are easy on the wallet. While being a meal beloved by kids nationwide, controversy has grown as nutritional health has become a higher priority. 
• Critics of the lunch option argue that they’re unhealthy, as they are highly processed, often contain high amounts of sodium, fat, and sugar, and lack fruits and vegetables. Many say they have a negative impact on children’s diets as kids may become accustomed to pre-packaged and processed meals over fresh ones. 
• Some also say the company markets the meals to children, who are susceptible to advertising tactics, contributing to the development of unhealthy eating habits. Opposers to Lunchables also highlight the plastic packaging of the meal and its environmental impact.

Do you support Lunchables being sold in schools? 

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo credit: Facebook/The Krazy Coupon Lady)