Federal mandates have changed and kids are being “forced” to take fruits and vegetables at lunch or pay a la carte prices. The portions of fruits and vegetables have increased while carbs and protein has decreased. There is also now a caloric limit to the meals.
Recently a facebook friend posted this rant “I want to know why our schools are forcing our children to take food when they either don’t want it or don’t like it? When this is going on and kids only throw it away it cost everyone more money than it should! This is WRONG and needs to STOP now!!?”
Wait a minute. You are choosing to have your kids eat school lunch. If you want them to have food that they “want” and “like” pack their lunches. Kids aren’t being taught about nutrition at home and so many who eat school lunches aren’t getting nutritional food outside of school. Let’s not condemn the schools for trying to make sure our kids are getting the nutrition they need to be healthy learners. Furthermore if we are worried about the food that is being thrown away, why not compost it? Have one trash can for fruits and veggies and have a big compost pile. Let’s teach our kids how to be good stewards of the gifts we receive. By the way…food has been being thrown away for years and years. Get over it!
As far as giving them food they don’t want? How about the policy that I grew up with. You have to try one bite of EVERYTHING on your plate. It is simple and not all that hard. Plus, ask my Miss E, you might just find that you like something you thought you wouldn’t.
I choose to pack my kids lunches everyday. Are there days when it would be easier to just let them eat school lunches? Absolutely. I push ahead and pack their lunches every single freaking day. Do my kids always have the healthiest lunch? No. Do I know what they are eating? Yes, and that is what is important to me.
Sorry for the vent. But, well, I had to. Now, to plan what goodies I am going to make this weekend…my DH is camping out of town. I think some pumpkin cinnamon rolls might be in order.
Miss Carrie Ann
