Dear National School Lunch Program Administrators

September 20, 2008

I just wrote this letter to the people who are developing the 2009 Child Nutrition Program guidelines and the WIC program.

To whom it may concern:

I just recently took a look at my nephew’s school lunch menu. He’s nine years old and attends a public school in Clark County, Nevada. His school lunch menu consisted of terribly fatty, high cholesterol, salty, and sugary foods. For example, the main meals were things like pizza and cheeseburgers. I’m writing to request that the government guidelines for school lunches be improved in a way that will make these lunches healthier for all children. Moreover, I’d like to see more options for the children who eat vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or other nontraditional diets. More fresh fruit and vegetables would be an excellent start.

Sincerely,

Elaine Vigneault

I was inspired by reading this PCRM alert as well as by reading my nephew’s school lunch menu a few weeks ago.

If you’d like to send a letter, please do. You can do it onine here or you can email to CNDProposal@fns.usda.gov by fax at 703-305-2879. (Feel free to base your letter on my sample letter above.)

Posted by Elaine Vigneault | Filed Under Miscellaneous 

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Comments

3 Responses to “Dear National School Lunch Program Administrators”

  1. theObserver on September 20th, 2008 8:04 pm

    Ever come across Jamie Oliver? He is an English celebrity chief who famously did a documentary on the condition of school meals in the UK. It got a lot of media attention - enough to get the then british prime minister on board.
    http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/J/jamies_school_dinners/campaign/index.html

  2. Danielle on September 21st, 2008 5:37 am

    THANK YOU. Most school “nutrition” programs are sadly lacking in whole, fresh foods. Choices for vegetarian and vegan children are almost non-existent. And there’s really no excuse, because some schools across the country have made real nutrition a priority and have proved that changing a school breakfast and lunch menu to include fresh, homemade food is actually cheaper than the frozen, processed crap they currently offer.

    Did you see the story about Heather Mills donating $1 million worth of food to needy children in the Bronx? Her donations? Soy “hamburgers,” soy “hot dogs” and soy “chicken cutlets.” Processed soy products may be an iota healthier than animal-based processed foods, but only because they’re made with soy instead of an animal product or by-product. To be nourished, children need fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. I understand that processed foods last longer, and may be easier for families in need to prepare, but switching out a chicken nugget for a soy nugget isn’t going to do much in the way of helping/educating families in need about proper nutrition. In fact, I find her donations insulting, as if families in need will only feed their children what they “know.” That woman and her publicist should really find a new way to improve her popularity rating among vegans and non-vegans alike. Argh.

  3. Elaine Vigneault on September 21st, 2008 8:35 am

    theObserver, Yes, I watched his show and was amazed by how many children had no idea what vegetable was what. I was heartened to see how well the kids liked the food when they had some input in it - when they helped prepare it or choose it. However, he relied on too much meat and he really has no clue how to cook simply and cheaply. Furthermore, he’s done some terrible things recently, like gassing baby chicks in a demonstration.

    Danielle, Yes, I heard about Heather Mills. I don’t really care too much what celebrities do. Giving away food is great, but… whatever.

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