Turquoise Thursday: School Lunch Soapbox

I'm not quite ready to get down. 

I love this
floral reusable turquoise lunch sack
from KatieKouture on Etsy. 

This week there has been a lot of discussion about the new USDA changes to school lunch programs. What's all the commotion about? A reduction in protein served in school lunched. Children in Grade 9-12 will receive a 10-12 ounces of protein a week.

There has been a lot of discussion in this post of mine - Raising a Family Without Meat, and I would really encourage you to read this interview with Agriculture's Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding Meatless Monday and the new school lunch guidelines. It is kind of scary. I find it quite alarming.

I've learned a few things this week too from all the discussion:

Because of the new sodium guidelines the quality of protein should be much better. That a good thing. Also, more fruit and veggies are being included. Another good thing.

The USDA has created a one-size fits all program and that doesn't work.

There are WAY too many kids in this country going hungry. In Iowa it is 1 in 6 kids, and we are one of the lower states! Did you know according to Feeding America that more than 20% of the child population in America lived in food insure households in 2010. And research shows that hungry children do more poorly in school and have lower academic achievement because they can not concentrate. Katie Pinke's son is a growing high schooler, active on athletic teams and is definitely hungry with these new school lunch guidelines.

I would encourage you to join in on the discussion and contact those that can really help change things around.

Undersecretary of Food & Nutrition Services
Kevin Concannon
1400 Independence Ave, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250

Secretary of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack
1400 Independence Ave, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250

Finally, it is Turquoise Thursday so for those that have to pack your own lunch, or will now be packing your child's lunch here are some turquoise options.

I know it isn't very turquoisey (yeah I just made up a word) but how cute is this lunch sack made out of an old feed sack. 

I never even knew reusable sandwich sacks existed until I saw these from GetPersonalEtc.

If you want to stay involved int the school lunch discussion I would check out Sensible School Lunches on Facebook. It is a great page with lots of good resources for you and and your family.