Petisi untuk Penambahan Rute Bus di Surabaya

Eating healthy can have a huge impact on how our brain functions, our overall health, and the way that our body responds to the stressors of life. The standard American diet is riddled with highly processed foods that are largely based in animal derived byproducts, preservatives, and additives that have no or a loose origin to actual food. School aged children are vulnerable to the effects of these kinds of food while they are still developing. How can we expect them to pay attention in school and do well if we are feeding them garbage?

Positive Impacts of Good Nutrition:

It is well known that having a well-balanced diet is important for one’s well-being and quality of life. It is even more imperative for growing children to eat healthy throughout the day and to understand why eating healthy is so important. Studies have shown that consuming a whole-foods diet with plant-based options can reverse a host of diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. As a country we are getting sicker and the threshold for these illnesses are creeping lower and having profound impacts on our kids and youth. Research shows that adding vegetables and plant-based foods to meals can have an amazing impact on the health of children. “Children who are raised on healthful vegan diets have a reduced risk for heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and other conditions” (Healthy School Food, 2019). Kiely references a study that analyzed the growth and development of children and adolescents who consumed a vegetarian diet. These children were found to be taller, leaner, and have healthier blood lipids (Kiely, 2021, pp. 160). Imagine if students had access to these foods at school every day.

Negative Impacts of Poor Nutrition

Proper nutrition for children is vital to their participation and success in the classroom. According to researchers from the Institute of Child Health in London UK, and the University of California, multiple studies show a correlation between inadequate nutrition and various problems associated with students’ health and performance in school. Poor nutrition has been correlated with impaired growth and development in children due to malnutrition, especially in children who are living below the poverty line. A correlation has also been observed in increased dropout rates, poor school performance, tardiness and decreased attention spans in children who do not receive food with adequate nutritional value. Many children who are living in poverty also may not have access to adequate food at home, so it is additionally important to provide access to nutritious food in schools.

How do school lunches get funded in Rochester NY? Where Does the Problem Lie?

The Rochester City School District Food Services Department participates in the United States Department of Agriculture National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs for free meals at no cost to every student in grades K-12. In 2023, New York State passed a state budget that included $134 million for funding free school meals for students. In addition, the state will reimburse schools participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which is a federal provision that provides free meals to all students who attend high-poverty schools, and live in low-income based communities. The Rush Henrietta School District is a notable suburban school district that currently participants in this provision for the 2023-2024 school year. Private schools are excluded from receiving funding from the federal (CEP).

If RCSD is participating in such a large federally funded program, why are children still being served food void of nutrition?

The Rochester City School District has partnered with a food service company by the name of Sodexo, who headquarters is located in Paris France. In addition to RCSD, in 2016 it was reported that Sodexo managed 122 prisons in eight countries, including Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Furthermore, Sodexo also in-charge of immigrant detention centers in the United Kingdom, as Sodexo’s North America location is part of a global Fortune 500 company. Moreover, Sodexo has a substantial net worth of $16.66B as of February 09, 2024. We believe that Sodexo may be capitalizing on the food service industry and is aiming to increase their profits, rather than focus on the quality of their food.

How Do We Make Better Choices for our Childrens Future?

There are many ways to help implement change in school cafeterias that will benefit children and satisfy parents and guardians. Participation via a survey is a creative way to involve parents and students in the development of healthier menus. Collecting feedback from both groups can be used to formulate lunch options that children will be excited about while also reassuring parents that nutritional needs are being met.

Eliminating processed foods is key and working with food companies that use organic based options is an excellent way to limit harmful food additives. Farm to school programs is a smartway to source local foods while also educating children on the importance of nutrition. School gardens, cooking lessons, and other hands-on activities such as field trips to local farms can open minds to what is out there when it comes to what we eat. Changing ingredients and how foods are prepared will reduce the use of processed meat and lower fat content. By using lean cuts of meat to reduce sodium levels and eliminate nitrates school lunches can still serve chicken nuggets, hamburgers and hotdogs in a healthier way.

Lastly, widening the vegetarian options will give students who don’t eat meat more to choose from while providing other side options that wouldn’t ordinarily be chosen. Salad bars are the most common however within those bars could be soup options, bean burritos, veggie wraps and so much more. There are a multitude of steps that can be taken to ensure that children are being fed foods that are ideal for their growth and provide them brain power throughout the day.

So what do you say? Do you want to vote for a better future for our children?

Our Resources:

Allegretto, S., Garcia, E., & Weiss, E. (2022, July 12). Public education funding in the U.S. needs an overhaul. Economic Policy Institute; Economic Policy Institute. https://www.epi.org/publication/public-education-funding-in-the-us-needs-an-overhaul/

Petisi untuk Penambahan Rute Bus di Surabaya · Change.org (2024)