I agree with Robert. Much more attention should be placed on the content of the meals in Minneapolis public schools. I am convinced that attention needs to be placed on the glycemic load of the meals. Others may stress the carb, or fat or calorie content. Others of course will be for or against meat protein. Nutrition is a rapidly evolving field albeit one filled with charlatans, corporate and political self interests. For example, it may be political heresy in a dairy state to warn that milk and cheese may not be the "perfect" foods. Many of our institutions particularly in states like Minnesota have been influenced by political and cultural values advocated in support of our family based dairy farmers. Anecdotal evidence in one Wisconsin school district suggests that low glycemic lunches in their district decreased significantly "acting out" misbehavior in afternoons, and resulted in better overall student performance. While certainly not an expert on the topic, I have come to understand that the glycemic content of foods is far more relevant to weight management and long term health than any existing low fat or carb or other diet popularly advocated today. A fundamental rethinking of our diets, particularly those of our children can be an effective step in dealing with disease prevention as well. I do not know how to effectively get this discussion going, but am eager to see that a significant review be undertaken. Earl Netwal
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:58 AM To: Mpls Forum Subject: [Mpls] Minneapolis Public Schools food program I was wondering if anyone on the list has been reviewing the MPS food offerings. In particular, I have on occasion looked over the school breakfast program, and the menus seem to me appalling. I know that one wants the kids to actually EAT the food, and I know that we are worried about kids who just don't get food in the morning at all, but couldn't we do a little better? We don't actually serve chocolate frosted sugar bombs, since those were an invention from the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, but the school breakfast seems pretty close to that. I don't see any reason to believe that kids in Minneapolis are exempt from the nationwide epidemic of obesity, early-onset diabetes, etc. Should we be pushing to reform this program? I'm not asking for free-range organic tofu entrees, but isn't there some reasonable middle ground other than what we've got? Here are a couple of example menus: 3 Jan: Cocoa Krispies Apple Danish Hot Pocket Jelly Biscuit Graham Crackers O.J. Milk 10 Jan: Smart Start [?] PB & J Bar French Toast Shoogies [Shoogies???] Graham Crackers O.J. Milk I'd love to hear reactions from anyone who knows more than me about nutrition (this won't narrow the field much!), etc. Thanks, -- Robert P. Goldman ECCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
