Mississippi has a major obesity epidemic and the state is fighting back - starting with children.
Mississippi Public Broadcasting reports that educators hope improved child nutrition programs will lead to continued health gains.
Schools are now required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to serve at least a half cup of fruits and vegetables on every plate served to children.
Julie Hamilton works in Child Nutrition with Lamar County Schools, and she doesn't see it as a hard sell to the students. "It's not a punishment. It's, 'Darling, just pick one of the four that we have, and try it.' It does encourage them to learn the different fruits and vegetables that are available."