Written by Vegetarian Star on Monday, February 15th, 2010 in Food & Drink, Nutrition-Health-Fitness, Politicians.
Michelle Obama recently spoke about her initiative to reduce obesity rates in children.
The administration is requesting $10 million dollars over the next decade to improve the school lunch program, which includes making more fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products available.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine advocates a vegan diet, and two of its representatives, nutritionist Kathryn Strong and public affairs director Elizabeth Kucinich, the wife of representative Dennis Kucinich, have offered their insights.
Strong suggested that subsidies to the meat and dairy industries be cut. If these higher fat meat and cheese items aren’t as cheap, they may be less likely to be included as a regular option in schools.
Kucinich emphasized the value of healthy foods as preventative medicine for obesity related illnesses like diabetes.
“What is the cost to the nation if we don’t [consider it]?” she said, according to the Epoch Times.
Kucinich also emphasized that for some low-income children, the school meal might be the only meal they eat.
Dairy sensitivities and/or lactose intolerance is common in minority groups that are often over- represented in low income school districts.
A carton of soy milk replacing 2% on the lunch tray may give schools a better report card in future semesters.
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