It's no secret that children today face an uphill battle against obesity. Fast food and boxed goods have become the norm, short-changing kids on valuable nutrition. As a result, we're witnessing an increase in weight-related issues (heart disease, diabetes) and a lack of awareness about where food comes from. It's also, in just a few generations, made home cooking a fringe movement.
But change is happening—and picking up speed at that. Jaime Oliver's Food Revolution recently wrapped up its second season, and he continues to campaign for fresh food and home cooking. As Oliver touts, the change starts at home—but it's crucial that the message is reinforced where kids spend most of their time: at school.
According to the New York Times, one school district in northern Colorado has taken that to heart, kicking off a new lunch program focusing on from-scratch cooking. The Greeley district has appointed an executive chef, trained its staff with the help of Cooking for America, and will now cook from scratch 75% of the time; by next year, the hope is for 100%. Not only will the program promote healthy eating—dessert will be served on special occasions and unnecessary additives will be avoided—but surprisingly, it will actually help the district save money in the long run.
It's an inspiring step in the right direction, with delicious results to boot.