Students dish out healthy snacks

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) - From "Scooter Surprise" to "Sponge Bob Waffles" the samples were going fast at Leander Independent School District's annual culinary competition. The challenge was clear.

"It had to be a healthy snack that kids could make after school," said Cameron Boucher, a fifth grader at Faubion Elementary. The 11-year-old thought the task would be tough.

"When I tried it, it was very easy," said Boucher, whose roast beef wraps were a hit.

He was one of dozens of fourth and fifth graders from thirteen schools in the district who participated. With tall white chefs hats and black chef coats buttoned on, each student displayed their colorful dishes on tables set up inside the Cedar Park High School cafeteria.

"They look really healthy and when you try them they don't taste that healthy, but they are, " said Nicki Dipietro who made cucumber cups.

"I think that this provides our students with a very unique opportunity to show that interest in health," said Beth Thorson, LISD's Child Nutrition Program Director. "You know they can actually put action to their their ideas about staying healthy."

A few hours earlier, a White House task force with First Lady Michelle Obama at the helm called for action.

"No one gets off the hook on this one -- from governments to schools, corporations to nonprofits, all the way down to families sitting around their dinner table," said Michelle Obama during a press conference Tuesday.

President Barack Obama signed off on a report that outlines dozens of steps for American to take at home that includes eating better food, getting more exercise, and spending less time in front of the television.

In neighborhoods, the report mentions making sure supermarkets and healthy food are easy to find. Healthier menus in schools was also listed, but the move will not be cheap.

The President is asking Congress for $1 billion to expand school breakfast and lunch programs. Celebrities like Rachael Ray are spreading the word as well by stopping by schools and talking to classes.

"If the summer comes and goes, and we don't get this done, it's a whole other year our kids have to wait," said Ray.

Local districts like Leander said they are on board.

"We're just glad to be part of that," said Thorson. "Having events like this to promote the awareness and promote the healthy lifestyle."