School food has become a political battleground, but politicians are fighting for the wrong things. While Washington quibbles, we're waging a battle against childhood obesity, working to give schools tools they need to feed students healthier meals. When a child sits down to school lunch, she doesn't care what's happening in Washington. She only knows that the cherry tomato she just tasted is sweet when it pops and crunches in her mouth, and she'll be back for more. That's a fight worth backing.
Politicos are fighting over whether or not a half cup of fruit or vegetables should be required on every child's lunch tray, but they've lost sight of the real problem: processed school food and its impact on children's health. While the new USDA guidelines can be challenging, we need to help schools meet them by returning to scratch cooking and making delicious, nutritious meals.
We've created tools and resources to help schools transition to scratch cooking with fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains loaded with fiber, and lean, healthy proteins for strong muscles. But food is only part of it. Schools need fully-equipped school kitchens and training, successful models and salad bars, step-by-step guides, supportive parents, and committed donors like YOU! Help us connect schools to recipes, menu planners, training videos, and financial guides they need!
Well-nourished students have more energy, are able to focus for longer periods of time, and are better able to learn than those who are slowed down by empty calories and sugar crashes. The eating habits that children develop early in life will affect their diets - and their health - as adults. By changing the way children eat - and think about - food, we are helping to create a generation of kids whose food choices will support healthier bodies, minds, and futures!
