One third of U.S. children are overweight and 17 percent are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

That trend is prompting schools across the nation to make a difference in the cafeteria, with healthier foods. We found out today (Monday) the leaner menus are really taking hold in the Corvallis School District.

The Federal C-D-C reports that progress is being made getting healthier cuisine in schools, but much work remains to be done.

In Corvallis officials have found that better food doesn't have to mean, less taste.

Out with the fat, down with the calories.

It you expect to order a greasy double cheese-burger and a soda for lunch, think again.

It's a whole new menu these days at Corvallis High School.

Cafeteria workers are setting up for another busy day. No junk food and no soda is allowed.

District Nutrition Director, Sharon Gibson, tells KVAL, "It was required by the federal government that we make the changes-- but we were in compliance already with the entrees that we serve."

Corvallis school officials said they heard from parents loud and clear as they said, give our kids smaller portions.

"We really wanted to talk about the sizes of food. We wanted to make sure we were using the best products and we really worked with our food service department," explains Donna Keim, former School Board member and a leader of the district's wellness council.

Local schools got a head start with approval of a district-wide wellness and nutrition plan last year. All lunch entrees are kept to 450 calories or less.

The district wants to get the fat out of the cuisine that it serves at the schools and this is about the best way to do it. The salad bar, really healthy stuff, and at least 18 offerings in the salad bar every day.

Students we talked to don't mind the changes at all. Senior Anthony Phan says, "I like the food. It's really good. There's a lot of variety to choose from." Another student, Laura Patton, explains, "I don't eat a lot of cafeteria food but I think some of the changes have been really good. In the long run, it will be good for us."

Lunch is over for this day and the students will be back tomorrow,
but the district hopes it has set up a policy to benefit their bodies and minds, for a lifetime.

Corvallis schools are keeping up their pro-active stance with another new program this year--a school health index for each campus.