Only about 1 percent of American children's diets meet basic standards. Also, most of America's rising health care problems (and costs) are caused by our excess consumption of cheaply made, highly processed foods that are loaded with artificial chemicals, preservatives, trans fats and sugars. In fact, Pennsylvania is one of the fattest states in the U.S.
We need to consume food and drink more responsibly and be role models for our children. So I was dismayed to read the article, "Nazareth students tossing healthful foods in trash." The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 was designed to provide children with real healthy food to eat; frankly we cannot afford to not eat healthy. When the article stated a school director urged superintendents to lobby against the new requirements, I was truly saddened by this shortsighted approach. It is our role to teach our children not to be wasteful and to respect and take care of our bodies. And did you know that it may take a child up to 10 times to try a new food before they like it?