What's Not Working: We Need a Food Revolution
Three weeks ago, one of my goals was to peruse a bookstore and discover a new book. Something that would give me inspiration. Well, I didn't hit the bookstore, but I did stumble upon a blog talking about Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. His revolution is to change school lunches for the better. I was hooked.
I went on to read about his cause to make school lunches healthier. Now, if you have kids in public school- you've seen the current way lunches are served. It's honestly horrible. Processed fried chicken strips, w/ a tablespoon of canned peaches and a chocolate milk on a styrofoam plate is considered a 'healthy meal' by the national food guidelines.
As a former school teacher and counselor, I was always perplexed with these lunches being served every day. It bothered me, but I had other fish to fry on the 'Causes' front, so didn't invest too much time worrying about it.
Well, I think I'm ready to worry about it now. Because my kids are 4 and will be in a public kindergarten in 2011 (Isn't it always when things directly affect that make you finally act!) I'm ready to help support this Cause.
I don't know what my next steps will be, but my first step was to sign Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Petition. It's for change on a National level. And I know in order to cause change, I need to start on a local level. What that looks like exactly is still in the works. I just learned about Revolution Foods in the Bay Area, and I hope to talk to my friends in the school district in the next few weeks.
But I wanted to pass on this petition for any/all you who want to see a change in school lunches. And I'd also LOVE to know if you've been involved in any way to help change a school lunch program. Please share!
Comments
Just a FYI, the standards for kids lunches are lower than the standards for prison meals.
I'm definitely signing the petition.
(To answer your question on my recent post, Niacin=Vitamin B3, treatment for high cholesterol, deficiency linked to dementia)
I couldn't agree more school lunches need vast improvement. We've nixed the desserts in our district but can still do better.
My kids almost always bring theirs.
I am on the school board and our food manager and I have talked about trying something like this. The biggest obstacle? Money. We are looking into it though.
Peace Julie
OMG, don't even get me started on the school lunch programs!! They suck so bad and I get angry just thinking about it! My daughter has been bring her own lunch to school since she was in fourth grade. Those lunches that the school provides are horrible! No wonder kids are having issues with weight!
I hope that you have a wonderful day Anne Marie:)
I will definitely sign the petition. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!
Thanks for your comments and support on Monday, I totally appreciated your thoughts and wishes, you are so sweet!