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Posted on 04/11/2011 8:45:25 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Michelle Obama's America: Chicago School Bans Bag Lunches to Protect Kids from Themselves By Tim Graham Created 04/11/2011 - 10:32am
The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that one Chicago public school -- the Little Village Academy -- has banned bag lunches...to protect the kids from their own "unhealthful" food choices:
Principal Elsa Carmona said her intention is to protect students from their own unhealthful food choices.
"Nutrition wise, it is better for the children to eat at the school," Carmona said. "It's about the nutrition and the excellent quality food that they are able to serve (in the lunchroom). It's milk versus a Coke. But with allergies and any medical issue, of course, we would make an exception."
Carmona said she created the policy six years ago after watching students bring "bottles of soda and flaming hot chips" on field trips for their lunch. Although she would not name any other schools that employ such practices, she said it was fairly common.
A Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman said she could not say how many schools prohibit packed lunches and that decision is left to the judgment of the principals.
"While there is no formal policy, principals use common sense judgment based on their individual school environments," Monique Bond wrote in an email. "In this case, this principal is encouraging the healthier choices and attempting to make an impact that extends beyond the classroom."\
But reporters Monica Eng and Joel Hood suggest there are other reasons than a nutrition crusade: "Any school that bans homemade lunches also puts more money in the pockets of the district's food provider, Chartwells-Thompson. The federal government pays the district for each free or reduced-price lunch taken, and the caterer receives a set fee from the district per lunch." But if they're really concerned about a learning environment, what if the kids don't eat?
At Little Village, most students must take the meals served in the cafeteria or go hungry or both. During a recent visit to the school, dozens of students took the lunch but threw most of it in the garbage uneaten. Though CPS has improved the nutritional quality of its meals this year, it also has seen a drop-off in meal participation among students, many of whom say the food tastes bad.
"Some of the kids don't like the food they give at our school for lunch or breakfast," said Little Village parent Erica Martinez. "So it would be a good idea if they could bring their lunch so they could at least eat something."
"(My grandson) is really picky about what he eats," said Anna Torrez, who was picking up the boy from school. "I think they should be able to bring their lunch. Other schools let them. But at this school, they don't."
But parent Miguel Medina said he thinks the "no home lunch policy" is a good one. "The school food is very healthy," he said, "and when they bring the food from home, there is no control over the food."
At Claremont Academy Elementary School on the South Side, officials allow packed lunches but confiscate any snacks loaded with sugar or salt. (They often are returned after school.) Principal Rebecca Stinson said that though students may not like it, she has yet to hear a parent complain.
"The kids may have money or earn money and (buy junk food) without their parents' knowledge," Stinson said, adding that most parents expect that the school will look out for their children.
Can't have that now can we. That'd shut the Federal money spigot down. This doesn't have jack to do with feeding the little buggers nutritious food. It has to do with the amount of Federal dollars tied to that stupid school lunch program.
Don’t have kids yet, but I will be homeschooling when I do.
This nation’s education system is out of control.
Can’t be nutritious if the kids don’t eat it.
Captive audiance ! Don’t want to deny the school cafeteria monopoly from student’s money !
This reminds me when I worked at LM (DoD contractor) in Denver SW. We had an outside company do food service and part of the contract was no one was allowed to bring in microwaves or refrigerators. There was also no nearby place to go out and eat either.
I would say 80% control freak nanny state.
20% protect the sweetheart deal with the cafeteria contractor. It is Chicago, donchaknow. Obama’s crony capitalism (read facism, and has nothing to do with real capitalism) strikes again.
Keep in mind, this is NOT about the kids choosing the
kind of food to eat, it’s about the PARENTS choosing
what the kids eat.
Teach the kids, feed the kids, what’s next?
House the kids? Why have parents at all?
They just inculcate bad habits into these
young citizens. /s
Mama Wookie Wide Load is getting Nazi on us.
it’s sure a racket isn’t it? less bag lunches - more noney in federal coffers.
That is exactly what this is about.....has nothing to do with nutrition of bag lunches.
Also, you cannot tell a parent that their child has to eat school food...
Who is going to file a lawsuit to stop this crap?
How about banning Democrats and Liberals from running for office to protect the taxpayer from “unhealthy political choices”?
Yeah, but you should see what the kids at The Village People Academy bring for lunch.
Follow the money. Bottom line.
Colonel, USAFR
later
Miguel, nobody was forcing you to send your kids to school with a lunch. And the control over the diet comes from *the parents*
NEWS ALERT! Early this morning several Burger King employees were taken hostage by Michelle Obama after they refused to give her 5 Double Whoppers with cheese and extra fries.The TANK SIZED FRST LADY attempted to tell the employees that a healthy diet only pertains to the little people. Negotiators are attempting to lure her out with MickyDs Big Macs and fries. She has demanded 10 Big Macs, 10 apple pies and a coke to go. We have attempted to reach the President but he is on the golf course and unavailable for comment. More news and the outcome of this disturbing scene at 11:oo.
Money Quote. Useful idiots are ever so helpful.
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