Robert P. Goldman: I'd love to hear reactions from anyone who knows more than me about nutrition (this won't narrow the field much!), etc.
Me: Robert Goldman has raised a very important issue given the rising social, economic and health costs associated with bad eating, which is the only way to describe school food programs. Schools and public health organizations attempt to teach healthy eating and exercise and then are undermined by school breakfast and lunch programs. These programs need complete reform in my mind, not just a tinkering with the content. A very good background piece on how bad school food programs are and who's behind it was done by Mother Jones a couple of years ago. It highlights the political battle such reform will be. http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2003/01/ma_207_01.html There are efforts across the country to improve school food programs, but I don't see any significant movement in that direction that's hitting Mpls. ( http://li.earthsave.org/HSLP/mainframe.html Http://www.choiceusa.net/California%20proposal.html). I'm doubtful that a nutritious hot lunch program is easy and inexpensive enough to provide. Perhaps we should be thinking about a cold lunch program instead, which my be less expensive and easier to provide nutritiously. It's certainly worth a study. Imagine a cold lunch program that provides non-processed fruits and veggies, low sugar yogurts, whole grain breads, non-processed cheeses, natural peanut butter, non-processed sandwich meats, nuts and whole grain desserts, and milk (soy and cow) and all-fruit juices naturally. Do away with processed, empty, fatty foods. And do away with the cost of the cooks and dishwashing expenses. Yes, I know it's employment, but it's a way for the district to save money and do away with lots of wasted food. Requirements should include: NO products with partially hydrogenated oils. NO products with high fructose corn syrup. Both additives are shown to be part of the "bad" food supply. Most common label processed foods include these, but alternatives are easily and inexpensively available. An organic requirement would be nice, but not critical, as a first step anyway. A more important requirement for me would be to buy as locally as possible and support Minneapolis bakeries and other food suppliers. It is more than time to see the school food program demolished and recreated. This is where kids, parents and teachers can begin to learn about the importance of the food we eat and WHERE IT COMES FROM. Schools don't have to stay victim to bad food, but it will undoubtedly be a political battle ahead. Jeanne Massey Kingfield Robert P. GoldmanI'd love to hear reactions from anyone who knows more than me about nutrition (this won't narrow the field much!), etc. 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
