The reactions to our experience watching “What’s On Your Plate?” keep growing as we move forward and study our own eating environments. I asked the group of girls who saw the film what they learned and to them, it was astounding to learn how difficult it can be to change even one small part of the school food system. These girls are typically up for a challenge, so they zeroed in on that. Ok, so here are middle school girls complaining about how horrible the school lunches are and how little choice they have in their diet while on campus (yes, they could bring lunch, but that’s a whole other discussion about middle school social rules). They equate the quality of their lunch with how much the school cares about their well being…and let me tell you, this is one group of girls who do not think the adults in charge really care.
What do they want? A salad bar. How hard will that be? We’re going to find out.
Ellie brought up a very good point during the discussion. She noted that schools spend a lot of time, money and energy dealing with bullying, but they don’t do anything to address one of the personal aspects that encourages bullies to zero in on a target–being overweight. The girls agreed that being overweight or obese raises the odds that you will be bullied or harassed. So why aren’t schools using their bully budget to address that? It was a good point. If young people are asking for help with this issue, we should be listening.
Now this group of 4-6 girls is interested in starting a petition to have a salad bar in the cafeteria. Every journey begins with a single step and they are excited about moving forward. I’m sure it will be an eye-opening experience!
yearofhealthierliving 
Heather @ SugarDish(Me)
/ May 1, 2012What a brilliant bunch of industrious girls!!! I would sign that petition in a minute 🙂 With a 6th grade boy in my house I am no stranger to the evils of being an adolescent. Kids are ruthless. I think in high school bringing a packed lunch goes back to being cool, but you’re right: in middle school there is definitely a social stigma. And by the descriptions Andrew provides as well as the fact that he comes home scavenging for nutrients, all appearances would indicate that indeed the school offials don’t much care. At least not about that.
Year Of Healthier Living
/ May 1, 2012Thanks!! I’m encouraging them to use this for their girl scout silver award–I sure hope they stick with it!!!
Goodness Grows
/ May 10, 2012I would love to know how that turns out. I hope they are successful, but it can be a struggle dealing with government bodies, especially to school system. I would definitely support them!
Year Of Healthier Living
/ May 10, 2012Thank you! It will be an educational experience no matter how it turns out. Stay tuned!
Juliann Zoetmulder
/ June 21, 2012Everyone needs to send Marylin Moody from WCPSS an email requesting this. NYC schools are doing it so why can’t Wake County.
Year Of Healthier Living
/ June 22, 2012I agree!
Food Revolution NC
/ December 14, 2012We are on board to help in any way that we can. FoodRevolutionNC