School Lunches And A Passion For Change!

I am fired up right now, how are you feeling about the nutrition in your kid’s school?

At my daughters school we have just launched a Health Committee that is dedicated to changing the way our children think about health and nutrition. As, parents (elders) it is our responsibility to pave the way for a bright future. As many Native Americans cultures see it, to paraphrase, we are borrowing the earth from our children’s children. While we cannot change the ways of the world that we grew up in we can certainly change that of our future.

I propose we start with nutrition, the food you choose has a tremendous impact on air quality, chemical usage and exposures, animal, plant and soil health, the future of disease and health care coast, community and tradition.

Our Mission: Provide a quality-learning atmosphere that empowers students through community and environmental health! 

Currently, our nation’s children face some very serious health issues:

• ¼ of children ages 5 to 10 years show early warning signs for heart disease.
• Type-2 diabetes can no longer be called “adult onset” because of rising rates in children under the age of 15.
• Obesity rates have doubled in children in the last decade.
• Diet quality is directly associated with academic performance.

Better school food must be provided to every school-age child. Whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables are necessary to build and sustain healthy bodies and brains, which support strong physical and mental health. Unhealthy ingredients must be permanently removed from our schools and the daily diets of our children in order to reverse the damage already done. The resources spent treating chronic diseases strain our health care system and our pockets. We can pay now, or pay later.

Our little health committee plans to implement healthy food tips, activities, and events on a regular basis. Our first Health Fair was a huge success and we are thrilled to have the support of our community!

I ask you, what are you doing to improve your child’s nutrition?

Here are 5 steps that you can take immediately to support your child’s health and academic performance!

• Pack your child’s lunch.
• Eliminate high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats and oils.
• Serve 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies per day.
• Pay attention to portions.
• Model healthy eating and discuss choosing high quality food.