The Kind Blog: Ladies Who Lunch

Kim made sure the girls had finished their homework before we met this evening to discuss this season's hottest topic. We gathered at the new Asian fusion hot spot on 41st. Avenue for a quick bite before we set out on our mission: healthy, sustainable, affordable and kid approved school lunch! Though I am not a mother, I have strong feelings regarding what children are eating at school. Whether it's a meal that they bring from home or one that is provided at school, I believe that all children should have the opportunity to choose fresh, whole, nutritious food. While access is a major ingredient, I feel that educating kids about food - the process of how it is made and where it comes from - is equally important for a successful school lunch revolution.

I was so impressed with the girls' articulate and enthusiastic answers to my questions over dinner. Vanessa, 13, is in 8th grade, and Carly, her younger yet equally witty and adorable little sister, is 8 and in 3rd grade. I asked the girls what kind of lunches kids where bringing to school as well as what their individual school cafeterias had to offer. Unanimously, the girls' first response was "eeeew" . Carly said that she was once served moldy pizza from the hot lunch line and then commented on the inedible grilled cheese sandwich her classmate had received a few days ago. Vanessa's story was similar. Both girls agreed that the menu offered to them at school was not one they enjoyed ordering from.

As for what kids are bringing to school, both girls mentioned soda, chips, and a variety of other packaged convenience foods. Vanessa pointed out that some kids bring dinner leftovers in Tupperware, while Carly shyly admitted to witnessing a classmate trashing his entire brown bag lunch in search of something much less "healthy". Somewhere during Carly's confession, an idea came to me. I asked the girls what single food they considered to be the most popular and desired at school. Vanessa and Carly said that 'Hot Cheetos' ranked highest amongst the most sought after playground junk food.

My goal tonight was not to sit the girls down a make them watch "Food Inc." or ridicule them for enjoying chocolate milk at recess. My goal was to get them involved with making their own school lunches, teach them about healthy choices, and possibly revolutionize 'Hot Cheetos'!!!

The Menu:

CAPRESE SALAD ON ROSEMARY SKEWERS

"LUNCHABLES"
HAND SELECTED TRAIL MIX

FRESH LOCAL FRUIT

100 % biodegradable skeweres!

Vanessa with her Caprese skewer

"Lunchables" done The Kind Blog way!

Organic Chicken Breast - Deli slices

Organic Munster Cheese- Deli Slices

Organic Whole Wheat Crackers

The inspiration behind the "Lunchable" makeover came from a cookie cutter I use to make one of my Mom's favorites, The Eye Opener, a slice of bread with a hole cut in the center and a fried egg cooked inside. The perfectly round, cracker sized baking utensil, reminded me of the curiously round meat and cheese served in a conventional "Lunchable"

The girls loved picking items from the bulk bins to create their own personal trail mix. I encouraged them to chose one nut item, one fruit item, and something sweet. They both made wonderful choices. Carly discovered that she liked raw, unsalted peanuts while Vanessa created a more exotic mix with dried mango and dark chocolate covered cranberries. I reminded them as they packed their lunches that no one else in the whole wide world would have that exact trail mix in their lunch tomorrow!

When it came time to pick out some fresh fruit for snack time, I gave the girls a mini lesson in choosing local first. Carly chose blackberries and pluots, and Vanessa went straight for the strawberries. All locally grown in Watsonville!!

Kim has done well; both Vanessa and Carly appreciate healthy food and a have a strong foundation set for eating a healthy, balanced diet, now, and in the future. I felt so honored to spend this evening with the girls, I learned so much from them and can't wait until we meet again. Next time... Breakfast!