NYC school lunches too lean

In its fight to reduce obesity, New York City has acknowledged that its school lunch offerings served fewer calories to children than required by the federal government.

City officials said their intention was not to reduce calories but to provide children with more nutritious choices. But in re-engineering the foods, it dropped the calories at sometimes below the federal minimum.

The city said school chefs are working on menus to meet new nutritional standards going into effect this year that call for less sodium and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It also is making sure the meals have enough calories.