Organic. It's Worth It in Schools

I've been concerned about school lunches for many years. There are a number of agencies and non-profit organizations, which are educating the public and advocating for healthy lunch programs. Here are two proactive organizations I support that I encourage you to connect with and support in any way that you can.

Organic. It's Worth It in Schools. Here is a repost from Mountain Rose Herbs about this campaign:

"Kids across the country should have access to organic foods with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, irradiation, or genetically modified organisms - especially at school, where it's so important for growing bodies and brains to have healthy fuel. Supporting organic gardens and farms that do not use harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, helps lessen our impact on the earth and promotes healthier neighborhoods and ecosystems where children live, play, and learn.

Help the Organic Trade Association provide organic food to a school near you! The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is calling on teachers, parents, students, educators, and others to join the “Organic. It’s Worth It In Schools.” initiative to vote for their favorite school to win an organic garden complete with seeds, soil, and expert gardening support; or a fully stocked vending machine, featuring items like milk, fruit, cheese, yogurt, and organic snacks.

Through May 1, 2010, when you visit OrganicItsWorthIt.org you can “vote” for a school by signing up for an electronic newsletter featuring organic tips, recipes, news, and more. You can also write a letter to your school, sign and circulate a petition, or read and share the fact sheet on OTA's website to help us spread the word that organics are worth it for the health and well-being of our world."

Learn more about organic foods.

Another important campaign to support is Slow Food's Time for Lunch Campaign. Watch this short video.

USDA UPDATE: February 23, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Presents Obama Administration's Priorities to Improve National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Vilsack Urges Congress to Pass Strong Reauthorization of Child Nutrition Act for Overall Health and Nutrition of America's Children.

Please share this blog post with those who are educators, caregivers, guardians or parents of school-age children K-5 and above at home.