Alternatives to Fast Food Getting a Fresh Taste

This school year, the cafeteria at Westminster High School began changing its menu with health in mind. It added teriyaki and Southwestern chicken bowls, a veggie bowl, a fruit bowl and, on Wednesday, a fruit and yogurt sundae.

All this and more low-calorie and low-fat items are part of an effort by the school’s grant-funded student group of California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition) to change the fast-food habit. The usual hamburger, burrito and potato chips are still on the menu, but now there are alternatives.

The nutrition group--12 members of the Associated Student Body and an advisor--uses a chef from the Nestle Food Services’ culinary department to help adjust menus for the school and the district.

Chef Roberto Gerometta was on hand Wednesday at the group’s booth during the school’s career fair to talk about healthful recipes. Gerometta, who trains corporate companies in food preparation, devotes half of his time developing school nutrition programs.

“The days of cheeseburgers and hot dogs are over,” Gerometta said. Pacific Rim, Asian and Mexican cuisines are all being incorporated to cater to the varying tastes of high school students.

Senior Irene Brito, 18, a member of the group, said she doesn’t eat fast food anymore because she became “sick and tired of it.” She said many students with off-campus passes have lunch at one of the 15 fast-food restaurants near school.

A survey released Wednesday by the Public Health Institute in Berkeley revealed that 70% of all California high school food sales are of fast-food items such as pizzas, French fries and sodas.

The survey showed that 72% of the state’s school districts allow fast-food and beverage advertising on campus; Westminster High does not have any partnerships with fast-food chains.

The 2000 California High School Fast Food Survey also contends that the “skyrocketing” availability of “these high-fat foods may be contributing to the record level of obesity among California youth.”

Brito said her group, which meets every Wednesday, is trying to change the way students eat by members’ example. Since she has

joined, she has noticed a change in her attitude about food.

“I try to eat healthier. At home, I notice if I don’t have a certain amount of vegetables and grains,” she said.

Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974.