School Lunch Debate

When I was a kid I ate school lunch everyday. Didn't think much of it, it's just what I did. I've never been a picky eater, so I don't memories of being grossed out or overly delighted. I ate what I was served and that was that. One of the only options I was given at lunch was plain white milk or chocolate milk. I always chose chocolate. White milk tasted so boring, and I wondered why anyone would choose it. I think only one or two people in my class did. I used to think they were true weirdos.

Now as a mother, I have my kids eat school lunch, too. Except I've explained to them not to get the chocolate milk, only plain milk. After reading the ingredient list, I've decided plain milk is the way to go.  I realize it's ridiculous that I've chosen to demonize chocolate milk out of all the garbage they serve in the cafeteria, but that's where I draw the line.  I always find out when one of my kids gets a chocolate milk because they can't wait to tell me when I pick them up. Little stinks.  

Beyond that, Ella has decided that she doesn't like the sandwiches they serve on Wednesdays (she says they are always smashed!) and the whole wheat pizza served on Fridays. I understand the health benefits of whole wheat pizza crust, but living in NYC has turned her into a pizza snob. I applaud her for that so I pack her a lunch on those days.

That means twice a week, she gets a home lunch. To be honest, I like it better that way.  It's more work for me, but at least I know everything she's eating for lunch is fresh and healthy. I kind of wish I did this for her everyday because I'm fully aware that some of foods she's eating on school lunch days is filled with weird ingredients.

I have some piece of mind knowing that her school is trying to serve better food. Last week I was asked to take pictures for a special Wellness in the Schools event they were having in my kid's cafeteria. Among other things, this programs brings fresh food to the kids for lunch. Last week is was a beautiful strawberry salad picture above. The kids couldn't get enough of it. But see that self serve salad bar below? With all the hummus, fresh herbs, vegetables, and beans? It's there EVERYDAY. I had no idea. This takes the white vs. chocolate milk option to a new level.

After seeing this salad bar, I explained to Ella that most of her meal should come from here everyday, but ultimately the decision is hers. I like that because it makes our system of 2x week home lunch and 3x a week school lunch seem more useful that I planned.  On home lunch days I can model what a good lunch should look like and the other days she can decide for herself. Hopefully she'll figure it out on her own and make better choices then I did when I was a kid. And if not, who cares?! :)

How do you feel about about the lunch being served in your kid's school? I'm so ashamed that this was the first time I ever took a look. I think I didn't want to know in fear of what I would find. I was pleasantly surprised, but I would like to go back on a regular day to see what the lunch looks like when I'm not asked to take pictures of it. I'll report back.

3 more pictures of the lunch that inspired this post after the jump.