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WedgeMom
October 22, 2011
Love the photo - love the irony - When the CCC was founded during the great depression many were shocked to discover how many Americans were malnourished - I've heard some great oral histories in which CCC workers talked about how the first time in their lives they had enough to eat on a regular basis was when they joined the CCC.
undeadgoat
October 22, 2011
Although having active kids and removing the crap from lunch menus is a HUGE step, the idea that health is about denial (not mindfulness) is absolutely the kind of pernicious Puritan bull that has no place in our society today and that really contributes to "dieting cycles" as a perceived "healthy life choice." And, more importantly, the idea that by giving kids no control over their lives we will help them to make decisions as adults is just plain wrong. Kids that are not even allowed a few sweets, not even on special occasions, are probably just going to binge the second they have any freedom to buy cookies themselves.
Amanda H.
October 21, 2011
I wish I could get behind the Northeast Elementary program. Love the required family involvement but the messages are kind of negative: that dessert is bad and kids should count calories (although I do like the "no food rewards" rule). Makes food seem dangerous. Wish the focus was more about what good food is -- let's hope that will be a future phase!
flowercityfoodie
October 23, 2011
I agree. I hope the focus turns to how delicious good food can be. The "no food rewards" rule is good. The idea that "if you eat your broccoli, you can have a cookie" just makes kids think that broccoli is some awful thing you have to get through.
Shelly P.
October 24, 2011
You both are totally right about some of the messages being negative and focusing on the fears instead of the pleasure of food. I do like the way the school teaching kids to read labels, how to think about food (instead of mindless eating), and how exercise should be integrated into our everyday lives. My kids were lucky enough to spend their early school years in France, where school lunches were served family style, teachers ate at the table with the children, and there was an afternoon chocolate break. Will we ever see anything like that at public schools in the U.S.?
AllisonGG
October 25, 2011
I love this idea! Such a great way to help children appreciate food, and to encourage them to try new things!
Picot
October 21, 2011
You include very interesting photos with this feature. I wish you would include a photo credit that gives some background for the picture.
Shelly P.
October 21, 2011
This week's photo is from the Civilian Conservation Corps, taken in 1935. The archive title is "Cooks and Helpers Eating Doughnuts". Isn't it fun? Love the timeless quality of people eating together -- everyone seems to be enjoying themselves!
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