By Matt Leingang
Enquirer staff writer

Most schools in Hamilton County restrict student access to vending machines and offer a wider variety of healthy foods in cafeterias, according to a new survey.

But at the same time, school superintendents and food service directors say they face barriers to adopting even healthier eating: a general lack of awareness among students and educators, and, to a lesser extent, a lack of parental support and money.

The survey, conducted by the Hamilton County General Health District, reflects the views of 13 superintendents and 13 food service directors in the county.

The survey's goal was to gauge school officials' attitudes about nutrition issues. The answers could help lead to new strategies in fighting America's obesity epidemic, said Hamilton County Assistant Health Commissioner Kathy Lordo.

The percentage of overweight children ages 6-11 more than doubled from the late 1970s to 2000 - from 6.5 to 15.3 percent - according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. During the same time, the percentage of overweight adolescents ages 12-19 tripled, from 5 to 15.5 percent.

"Vending machines really aren't the issue anymore," said Linda Bass-Wiley, food service director at Princeton City School District.

Princeton has no vending machines at its elementary schools, however, they can be found at the high school and junior high. But those machines stock only low-fat snacks, juice, milk and water - no carbonated beverages, Bass-Wiley said.

Nationwide, three out of four schools serve too much fat; many schools undercut healthy offerings by selling junk food; there aren't enough vegetables and fruits; and not enough is done to teach good eating habits, according to recent government studies and nutrition experts.

Because lunch programs must pay for themselves, items such as pizza, chicken tenders, hamburgers and french fries are still on menus, food service directors say.

"We offer a lot of vegetables, steamed entrees and fresh fruit, but these aren't the items that kids tend to want," said Tom Martin, regional food manager for Sanese Food Services, a contractor that provides cafeteria food for Madeira and Mariemont schools.

"We feel that a lot of kids pick up their eating habits at home, which dictates how they eat when they are away from home," Martin said.

Based on results of the survey, county health officials intend to host a meeting this fall with school superintendents and food service directors. High on the agenda will be finding new strategies to promote healthier eating habits in schools.

Some students returning to school in late August or September will find new ideas already in place.

Madeira and Mariemont students will be offered more salads and fresh deli selections. "Wraps are very popular with kids," Martin said.

Also, the fat content and carbohydrate content of each meal will be posted in cafeterias, Martin said. "Making students more aware of what they are eating might help enlighten them to be more choice conscious," he said.

E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com