Calling all Americans!

julia23

I've been watching Jamie's American Food Revelation. And from what he's said in the programme Americas food regulations for school say you need a cup and a 1/4 of veggies and fruit, but chips count as a vegetable!
He showed how much fat is consumed in a elementary school and it was revolting, all the food is processed and the sugar in the milk has more than in cola!

I was wondering if this was something that is happening all over the country ? And would you prefer children in the high schools and younger eating processed cheap food or the freshly prepared meals ?

In England Jamie Oliver has taken over the schools and we all have healthy food and drinks, when i started secondary school with the vending machines and burgers and chips i put on nearly 3 stone at 12 years old.
Thought it would make a nice discussion ! Hope everyones well ! x

MyNameIsNotBob

Yes, it is happening all over, mostly b/c of FDA regs / big ag subsidies that make their foods cheap, and the amount of children who get free & reduced price lunch (which means the government is subsidizing almost 100% of breakfasts and lunches in some inner-city and rural schools). That means that the cafeterias are struggling, b/c the government subsidy is only a bit over a dollar per child per meal. It's been this way ever since I was a kid... which is why my mom always packed our lunches. I ate a *lot* of PB&J growing up.

But, you know what, some of those kids wouldn't eat at all without those meals... and are very thankful to have something in their tummies. Having worked in low-income elementary schools, I've seen the hunger that children face, and, if given a choice between nothing and a greasy slice of pizza, I certainly would prefer them to have the pizza.

MikeM53082

I think it's a money issue. The local municipalities are broke due to decreased tax revenue and are looking to cut every corner when it comes to public schools. Unfortunately, if they can save a few bucks by serving the kids crap, they will certainly do it.

momma3sweetgirls

What I don't understand, is why on earth parents don't pack a lunch for their kids. Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? Why do so many rely on the school to provide nutrition to their children? I feel it is my job to feed my kids. Maybe I'm a minority though.

beckyinma

I LOVE his philosophies, but it's a big country and most people are in the 'quick, frozen and cheap' mindset, he's got his work cut out for him.

This is why I send my kids to school with their lunches all but on pizza day which they adore.

vxmittyxv

It's a money thing. I mean come on... where else are you getting a hot meal for $2.50 most are gettig reduced or free lunch so they aren't even paying that much. If you aren't thinking about the nutrition it seems like a steal.

julia23

Jamie Olivers planning to do what he's done here in America, (not like i'm his best bud like i say it's from the programme) and he's coming in within budget so there's no excuses for schools not to change.

I completely agree, horrible processed food is much better than nothing but it doesn't have to be bad food. It's easier and cheaper, and i don't understand how that can be more important that the health of the next generation.

strawintogold

What I don't understand, is why on earth parents don't pack a lunch for their kids. Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? Why do so many rely on the school to provide nutrition to their children? I feel it is my job to feed my kids. Maybe I'm a minority though.

Wow, just...wow.

just4peachy

Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? .

Financially, no it's not more expensive. But since we're talking about my son's health and eating habits for the rest of his life so, IMO yes, it's WAY too expensive for him to eat crap.

I will say though that my son does eat school lunch once or twice a week as his school offers a salad bar (all fresh fruits & veggies) as part of lunch AND breakfast.

sunshine79

In all fairness and to provide a bit of balance Jamies "food revolution" has not been all that successful in the UK (I'm a teacher). Although I think the sentiment behind what he is trying to achieve is hugely positive his approach I think is what causes him to face so much resistance, IMO he comes across as a bit of a know it all. What he has to understand is that schools have so many priorities they cannot invest huge amounts of time and money on his 'big' idea.

sawynn82

Unfortunately, in America, many low income families spend their money on things instead of food for their children. The government schools feel that in order to help the kids succeed in school they must feed them. Too many of these children go to school with rumbling tummies and thus have wondering minds. We used to pick up children from low income neighborhoods and bring them to church (until we couldn't afford the gas anymore). They looked forward to coming because we always served them a healthy, hot breakfast. We heard it many times that we provided the only decent meal they had all week. Government schools are just trying to fill a need with the already small budget they use to pay teachers, keep the buildings maintained, supply textbooks, and now feed hungry children. They are doing a better job at feeding these children unfortunately than some parents are.

julia23

In all fairness and to provide a bit of balance Jamies "food revolution" has not been all that successful in the UK (I'm a teacher). Although I think the sentiment behind what he is trying to achieve is hugely positive his approach I think is what causes him to face so much resistance, IMO he comes across as a bit of a know it all. What he has to understand is that schools have so many priorities they cannot invest huge amounts of time and money on his 'big' idea.

But surely a school is open to help children no matter what part of life it's in. Schools are there for the kids so they should be helping them in best ways possible. I live down south and all schools that i know with friends and family having attended to Jamies healthy eating plan is in all of them.

MyNameIsNotBob

What I don't understand, is why on earth parents don't pack a lunch for their kids. Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? Why do so many rely on the school to provide nutrition to their children? I feel it is my job to feed my kids. Maybe I'm a minority though.

Because they're struggling to make ends meet. Many families don't have homes or refrigerators, or jobs... the children are receiving *free* meals at school. You are lucky to be able to provide well for your family. Others are struggling in different ways. It's not helpful to judge them based upon your own priorities.

kristydi

What I don't understand, is why on earth parents don't pack a lunch for their kids. Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? Why do so many rely on the school to provide nutrition to their children? I feel it is my job to feed my kids. Maybe I'm a minority though.

Many of the kids are on government funded free or reduced lunch programs. It's been a while since I was in public schools (taught at a private school then became a SAHM), but last time I was there I believe the kids on reduced lunch program paid something like .65 cents.

So no it's not cheaper to send food from home.

I agree with you that as a mom it's my job to feed my kids. I think a lot of parents just don't realize how bad the food is. That's where shows like this are good. They make parents aware and get them involved.

UpEarly

Actually, his show got pulled off the air two episodes into its second season. The ratings were awful. I think the network is going to burn off the remaining episodes on Friday nights, sometime over the summer.

I think his ideas are good... in theory. But, no matter how you add it up, his ideas are A LOT more expensive and will probably never happen.

beckajw

I think it's a money issue. The local municipalities are broke due to decreased tax revenue and are looking to cut every corner when it comes to public schools. Unfortunately, if they can save a few bucks by serving the kids crap, they will certainly do it.

It's not about serving the kids crap just to save a few bucks. It's about being able to afford enough food to fee all the kids. The schools try to be healthy, they do serve fruits and vegetables and low fat milk. Unfortunately, the government doesn't give the schools much money to spend on food, so they have to buy food that fits into the budget. Yes, tater tots are cheaper than sweet potatoes. So, kids get tater tots. They aren't fried, they're baked, so not as bad as fast food. Just still not great. No one wants to vote for a bigger school budget. Until we all start voting yes to school budgets for better food, better tracks, etc, we can't expect a change.

megz4987

Well, from what I remember from school lunches... elementary was given fruit cups (in heavy syrup) but also did get chips sometimes as well. Middle School was a wreck, they didnt seem to have any healthy options. Our highschool had a fresh salad bar open every day but most of the other options were crap (pizza served every day, breaded nuggets, deli bar every day, fries, etc)
so, yea, my school lunch experiences were crappy for the most part. I hope Jamie gets a hold of our school system before my daughter goes to school!

CanToGirl

And a sad reality is that some people just shouldn't be parents.

beancurdie

Have you also seen the episode where Jamie looks at the lunches that are brought in by students? Lunchables, neon blue fruit roll-ups, juice boxes, bags of chips, etc were quite common in the packed lunches. Just because it's packed at home, doesn't mean it's healthy.

freerange

What I don't understand, is why on earth parents don't pack a lunch for their kids. Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? Why do so many rely on the school to provide nutrition to their children? I feel it is my job to feed my kids. Maybe I'm a minority though.

Right on. BUT in some places the schools won't let the parents pack the kids lunch. This was in the news lately, I think about the schools in Chicago. Too many people believe in the nanny state, and this is where it is leading us. FAT KIDS!

freerange

What I don't understand, is why on earth parents don't pack a lunch for their kids. Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? Why do so many rely on the school to provide nutrition to their children? I feel it is my job to feed my kids. Maybe I'm a minority though.

Wow, just...wow.

Yes WOW, she is correct.

chasekilgannon

That is why I'm definitely leaning towards not having any more children. I have my little girl, and I can provide for her just fine in the food department. I think I'd be slightly concerned on the peer aspect of it, because sometimes kids find anything different to pick on others about. Or maybe I had a shi**y school experience when I was young.

Barneystinson

Have you also seen the episode where Jamie looks at the lunches that are brought in by students? Lunchables, neon blue fruit roll-ups, juice boxes, bags of chips, etc were quite common in the packed lunches. Just because it's packed at home, doesn't mean it's healthy.

Yeah, but mommy used a stack of coupons to get those Lunchables for FREE!

*crosses arms*

I think many that do have the financial ability to purchase healthful foods are more concerned about other expenses in their lives, unfortunately. Maybe as Americans we have a twisted viewpoint as to what food should actually cost. Foodstuffs are quite cheap here in comparison to other countries I've visited. We also seem to gripe the MOST about food being "expensive."

I dunno.

strawintogold

WHile I am happy so many on this thread haven't had to struggle to feed their children, had parents who were incapable of doing so, or been homeless, the lack of compassion is repugnant.

The irony being that so many here are here because they eat/ate too damn much in the first place.

Some parents shouldn't have kids? WTF? Because they need assistance or food banks? last year we had to use a food bank. Last year we NEEDED school funded lunches. Unbelievable.

edited for spelling

Barneystinson

WHile I am happy so many on this thread haven't had to struggle to feed their children, had parents who were incapable of doing so, or been homeless, the lack of compassion is repugnant.

The irony being that so many here are here because they eat/ate too damn much in the first place.

Some parents shouldn't have kids? WTF? Because they need assistance or food banks? last year we had to use a food bank. Last year we NEEDED school funded lunches. Unbelievable.

edited for spelling

Is it in anyone's best interest to have children when they can truly not afford to provide for them?

Just posing that as an honest question, not throwing flames.

pittielover23

School lunches in this country are a giant joke. But the food they serve is cheap (due to government subsidies and the fact that it is crap) so it is what the kids get. Sad.

deeharley

WHile I am happy so many on this thread haven't had to struggle to feed their children, had parents who were incapable of doing so, or been homeless, the lack of compassion is repugnant.

The irony being that so many here are here because they eat/ate too damn much in the first place.

Some parents shouldn't have kids? WTF? Because they need assistance or food banks? last year we had to use a food bank. Last year we NEEDED school funded lunches. Unbelievable.

edited for spelling

I understand where you are coming from. I grew up in a home where food stamps were common and the cheese line was a reality. And as soon as my parents got back on their feet, those were history.

However, I have also seen people go through lines and pay for food with food stamps, then buy alcohol and cigarettes with cash. I have seen my totally government-dependent relative spend a WHOLE check on Avon. So, yes, while some people legitimately need assistance and should receive it - others should not have kids.

ivyjbres

Its not as bad in small rural schools, they're more able to actually cook food instead of using prepackaged stuff like you see the kids bringing in to Jamie. I think its important to point out, these schools probably haven't made room in their budgets to pay kitchen help. I worked at a summer camp as a teenager, and it took five to seven of us 3-4 hours per meal, per 500 people. So in a school district like LA, imagine the payroll needed to cook a meal, along with the food cost. Or they can pay a few pennies more, get the prepackaged stuff, and pay a quarter of the staff half of the hours to throw it on a tray.

If you had to administer the LA school district on a limited budget, what would you do?

AllyS7

*steps on soapbox*

I teach in a very diverse school district. My high school is a very suburban/rural area where most kids are fortunate enough to not worry about school lunches. That being said, the school lunch options are atrocious! Fried...Fried...Sugar...Pizza..and more fried. I really want to blame some of the 20 lbs I gained in a year on eating that junk everyday for lunch. It makes me sad for the kids. Especially when the Commonwealth of Kentucky only requires 1 year of physical education for high school kids. It only contributes to the growing obesity crisis.

That being said, our inner city school provides FREE lunches for all students. They pay nothing. What's sad is they don't have any better choices either. Basically it's setting up these kids for unhealthy eating habits for life.

Hearts_2015

Oh wow! I guess I'm behind times, I saw the first couple episodes this season but had no clue they pulled it!:huh: That was a good show that helped people see the reality of what was truly going on in young people's lives in the US. The secrets the schools (Government) didn't want anyone to know publicly. I wonder how much of it was politically based in ending the show, just a thought, I have no idea.

It's unfortunate isn't it that this type of reality show is pulled but so many of the silly unrealistic ones stick around.:noway: That really makes me sad. He was trying so hard to get his message across to as many as he could trying to make parents and youth more aware.

Hearts_2015

What I don't understand, is why on earth parents don't pack a lunch for their kids. Isn't it expensive to eat in the cafeteria every single day? Why do so many rely on the school to provide nutrition to their children? I feel it is my job to feed my kids. Maybe I'm a minority though.

Love your attitude! You're a good Momma in that you care enough about your children to take time out to pack them a lunch and provide them good nutrition. It's teaching them so much, it's something they'll always know now! !