We are hungry

School lunches have been the center of debate for years. But in the last few months, the debate has heated up.

This month, schools across the country began implementing new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines for school lunches. The changes were part of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act championed by first lady Michelle Obama.

Among other changes, the new lunch guidelines set calorie limits for school meals.

High school kids are served meals with no more than 850 calories. Parents of active teens – and the high school athletes themselves – argue the meals don’t provide enough fuel for the teenagers.

A group of teens at Wallace County High School in Sharon Springs, Kan., felt so strongly about their grumbling bellies, they took to YouTube.

The teens and their English teacher created a music video parody, “We Are Hungry,” to the tune of “We Are Young.”

Here are some of the lyrics:

The pains in my tummy sing
You know I’m trying hard to find nourishment

So by the time you go to practice
And you feel like falling down
I’ll carry you home

Tonight
We are hungry
Set the policy on fire
It can burn brighter
Than the sun

The video shows volleyball players collapsing on the court, a basketball player struggling to make a layup and a teen girl fighting to lift the bench press bar.

The video also points out how teens are finding extra fuel for the day.

My friends are at the corner store
Getting junk so they don’t waste away

Several nutrition services managers for Clark County school districts said while the overall calorie and protein limits may have gone down, students can supplement their meal with extra fruits and veggies.

Other supporters of the requirements urge active students to bring a healthy snack from home for an afternoon pick-me-up.

So what do you think of the requirements?