Last month I read an article in an area newspaper about the public school system in a nearby town implementing Meatless Wednesdays. This disappointed me because the town is surrounded by agriculture. It appeared the decision was being made by the school nutritionist to promote health.
I talked to a friend who had children in this school district and she was angry. She didn’t want her children having lunches without meat because meat is part of a balanced diet. Many parents couldn’t understand why one of the major food groups would be taken away from children to promote health. It just didn’t make any sense. What was even more upsetting to my friend, was the school lunch calendar. It had cartoon images of livestock on it holding signs that read “No Meat.” It also designated Wednesday’s as vegetarian lunch day.
Another friend of mine did a great job of putting this issue into perspective. She pointed out it’s important for children to eat nutrient-rich foods to keep them energized and attentive throughout the school day. Meat is a naturally rich source of several nutrients- including iron, zinc and vitamin B12, which play critical roles in cognitive development….(aka helping kids remember what they learn at school each day). If the true goal is to promote health, let’s focus on the amount of processing in school lunches, instead of taking it out on meat. Meat plays an important role in a healthy diet.
Several parents contacted the school, and the school board, to express their concerns over eliminating one of the major food groups from their children’s diets. For many kids, school lunches are the best meal they may receive all day and it’s important for meat to be offered to the children to maintain a healthy body and mind.
My friend told me yesterday her children’s school is no longer going to support a desginated “Meatless” lunch day. She was glad the school board heard the concerns of the parents, however, she was also concerned that our public education system is being used as a target to push agendas. It’s very important for all of us to watch what is happening in our children’s schools.