Mozzarella and Pepperoni
I don’t think anyone would argue that if you are going to offer school lunches to students they should be as healthy as possible. There are all kinds of arguments over what constitutes “healthy”. What is “moderation”, what “counts” as a vegetable, and who should pay for it all?
We are told that we should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, but when budgets are tight and you can feed your family off the value menu so cheaply . . .
Studies have shown that healthy activity is good for everyone in the family. You don’t have to be “model thin” or a “jock” to be fit. A walk in the park, swinging on the playground or hitting some tennis balls on the court will do. Active lifestyles started as children tend to carry over into adulthood.
In the meantime, we limit recess in a lot of elementary schools, decrease PE in middle school and in high school students are required to take Physical Education in their freshman year only. When city and state budgets get tight the first thing to go are the parks and recreation departments which offer a place for those who can’t afford gym memberships.
Everyone likes rules that tell other people what they should do.
Priorities are proven with actions, not with rules.
I think I won’t worry so much about what my kids are eating at school today or if they got recess or PE, but I shall look in my refrigerator and pantry and see what I’m planning for dinner tonight and when is the next time we’re going to the park.
Time for my actions to prove my priorities.
When I was in school, the burgers served were actually soy burgers, because they were cheaper at the time. School system came under fire for that as well. Ironic, since those soy burgers were far better for us than beef burgers.
Great post Sheila! I learned that we need 20 minutes of exercise a day. If we do this and then clean house, bend over and pick up things off the floor basically live… We'll be getting our need for working out accomplished. I should be able to do that! But sometimes I get busy… All this is so important. I didn't have to buy lunch until High School. I'll never forget the band was in the cafeteria eating one day and the Tuba player stood over his soup playing the theme song of "Jaws." Hahaha