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Ordering the right amount of food for a school cafeteria is a tricky task. A 2002 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the value of wasted cafeteria food is about $1 billion annually. Considering that schools tend to overstock so that they have enough meals for hungry kids, it's actually "green" to encourage your child to eat a school lunch occasionally to offset the waste. School cafeterias are offering healthier options for hot lunches these days, plus more fruits and veggies and low-fat milk and snacks. Check your school lunch calendar, and encourage your child to make healthy choices in the cafeteria.
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