David Share, vice chairman of the Michigan State Medical Society, believes that diet is more important than exercise in combating childhood obesity.

“Hands down — it’s about what you eat,” he said.

Meals provided in schools must meet federal requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program.  This is true for all states, but decisions about exact food choices and preparation methods are made by local school boards, according to USDA officials.