Case Study Unhealthy School Lunches

2.1 Business Need - Opportunity/Problem Statement:

Unhealthy school lunches served in cafeterias across the nation are a major contributing factor to the development of childhood obesity. They are well known to be high in fat, sodium, and sugar, while also being outright unappetizing. It is currently estimated that about a third of kids and adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese. In addition, poor nutrition from school lunches can lead to chronic health problems over time and is also tied to poorer academic performance. While the US government updated the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs in early 2012, not all schools have implemented the changes and not all students are choosing to eat the healthier options

A small farmer's market presented once a week at Verdugo Hills High School (a medium sized public high school located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles) will work to address this problem by providing students both affordable and healthy food options during lunch hour. In turn, we hope to incentivize students to take their health into their own hands and eat healthy lunches. By targeting one high school within the greater Los Angeles area, we will be able to see if change is possible. If successful here, the idea can be expanded to more schools and on a more frequent

We will have diversity of products and producers, and we will have a central, visible, and permanent location each week on campus, so students know where and what to expect with consistency. I assume contractors, vendors, and suppliers involved will deliver goods and services according to contracts and project requirements. I assume parents and community members will be interested in participating to help put on the farmer's market as it directly benefits the health of our students. And lastly, I assume our students and staff alike will be excited and will take interest in the market as it is something new to explore and take part in on