National School Lunch Controversy

Lunch is an issue that everyone faces each day. Many adults skip lunch due to busy schedules but as parents of school-age children, they expect their children to eat school provided meals. In years past, children waited with anticipation to see what treat the lunch ladies would provide that day, but not anymore. With a progression to a sedentary lifestyle, there came changes in eating habits and in dietary guidelines. The First Lady acknowledged these trends toward obesity and strived to make changes. Michelle Obama’s concern for childhood obesity brought about controversy and changes to the USDA National School Lunch Program with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, with these changes came effects such as an elevated amount of waste …show more content…
Her concerns about childhood obesity are legitimately, valid.“ More than one-third of kids in America are obese or overweight.” (Bratskeir, Huffington Post, quote, updated 2/25/2015) But, on the other hand, for many children, school provided meals are the only sustenance they receive per day. Educational institutions altered nutritional plans to include more produce and whole grains and to reduce sodium, sucrose, and lard intake at the proposal of Michelle Obama in 2012. (Fischer, Healthline News, paraphrase, 11/26/2014) The alterations are inherently inspirational ideas but they are based on the theory that all children are receiving three meals per day plus snacks, which is simply not true. “ Obama has gotten much of the flack for the program’s shortcomings since she launched it as part of her “ Let’s Move “ campaign to fight childhood obesity.” (Fischer, Healthline News, quote, 11/26/2014) In addition to the controversy, USDA Regulations are creating extra difficulties for educational institutions by requiring nutritional restrictions on other foods consumed in relation to school …show more content…
Why not make changes in curriculum to include mandatory nutrition, cooking, and horticulture classes as well? Each of these subjects translates to science and/or mathematics in some way. Basics could be taught in elementary schools and more advanced versions in middle and high schools. For example, kindergarten kids could be taught to plant seeds and/or propagate from the root waste of existing fruits and vegetables (container gardening), and with older children progress into creating gardens to supplement the NSLP. For many children, just seeing where produce originates and participating in its production and preparation could make a huge difference in their consumption of the additional fruits and vegetables that are required. But, until parents, teachers, and communities assemble to invoke change, none will