by Chef Eric J. Means

Created on: October 03, 2008

I am a proponent of the introduction of fresh and organic produce into the school systems as an imperative attribute in complete symbiosis with education. With out proper nutrition education will become difficult at best. I would encourage you to research the issue at http://www.farmtoschool.org/ take the time to learn what programs are available in your area or, you may choose to create a sustainable program in your region. There are many obstacles that are integral to this issue, and they must be figured out so that we can reach a common understanding.

Today I conducted a phone interview with the Superintendent of Nutritional Services of my local school district. I was trying to learn more about improvements in nutritional values in our schools. I was astonished to learn how many obstacles these professionals must face on a regular basis. Can you imagine having to prepare 40,000 meals a day for no more than$1.11? That mission in itself is crippling if you must design a wholesome healthy meal that tastes good enough to eat. How is it possible that the community at large believes that this is enough money to provide wholesome meals to anyone, let alone our investment in the futureour children? In my opinion, I believe that we as responsible parents and community members should raise the education budget to include nutrition. We have to invest in our children now! Providing our children / future of our country, to have a fighting chance in the world economy is crucial.

Some of the main problems of introducing fresh and or organic produce and protein product into our schools are safety, sanitation, availability and of course finally cost. It is possible to set up a safety net by requiring farmers to obtain a USDA certified status; thus, creating a stop gap ensuring a safe source of product. All related sanitation issues would be covered by a USDA certification. Availability is another problem altogether. It would be impossible to provide an inexhaustible source of fresh and organic product. This problem would have to be addressed by using other purveyors (Co ops and large distributors to provide the product given any unforeseen shortages. Finally, we have to consider the cost that taxpayers would inevitably incur. It is true that this concept would add to our already expensive tax contributions but we must consider the long-term goal and its realistic payoff.

Another interesting effect of purchasing locally is that the carbon footprint is radically reduced. The

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