Socialist food replacing moms in CA schools.
Improving School Food: A Socialist Approach?
Commentary
A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a music concert at a public elementary school in Newport Beach. The performance was by a child of some friends, and it was truly impressive. However, what followed was disappointing. The school served the kids the usual unhealthy and tasteless cafeteria food. It made me realize that even in one of the most affluent cities in the country, our school food system is failing our children.
Now, I understand the desire to improve school food, and it’s a cause championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife, Jennifer. However, the approach being taken is problematic. It’s a socialist approach that disregards the individual needs and preferences of each student when it comes to nutrition.
A recent report by CalMatters highlights the efforts being made to improve school food. With a surge of funding, schools are now offering organic salads, free-range grilled chicken, vegan options, and more. They are even building new kitchens and hiring executive chefs. While this may seem like a positive change, it fails to consider the science of nutrigenomics.
Nutrigenomics is the study of how genes and nutrition interact. Each individual has unique genetic variations that determine how their body responds to different nutrients. By understanding these variations, one can choose an eating plan that aligns with their genetic makeup. However, the current approach to school food ignores this crucial aspect of personalized nutrition.
It’s important to note that nutrition science is highly politicized. In the past, studies have been influenced by industry interests, such as the sugar industry promoting high-carb diets. This raises concerns about the reliability of the nutritional guidelines being implemented in schools.
Furthermore, the push for a statewide Universal Meals Program in California fails to address the diverse nutritional needs of students from various ethnic backgrounds. While the intention may be to provide equal access to meals, it overlooks the fact that different cultures have different dietary traditions and requirements.
By the way, please don’t take nutrition advice from an opinion writer. I’m just reporting some stuff I know, based on a lot of reading because, as the late, great comic Chris Farley put it, “I have what doctors call a little bit of a weight problem.” Always consult with your doctor before making any diet changes.Diverse Ethnicity in the LAUSD
Language often correlates with ethnicity, and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is a prime example. According to EdSource, the district teaches students speaking 102 languages other than English. They even offer dual-language immersion programs in six languages. This diversity should be celebrated, but it poses challenges when it comes to providing nutrition that caters to each student’s unique background.
In the past, students would eat breakfast at home and bring packed lunches that reflected their family’s ethnic cuisine. This allowed for individualized nutrition choices. However, the current system takes away that autonomy and relies on a one-size-fits-all approach.
According to the California Department of Education, starting in the 2022-23 school year, California will implement a statewide Universal Meals Program. This program aims to provide breakfast and lunch to all children, regardless of their economic background. While the intention may be noble, it reflects a socialist-style thinking that disregards the diverse nutritional needs of students.It’s clear that the current approach to school food fails to consider the individual needs and genetic variations of students. This can have negative consequences on their health and academic performance. To address this issue, we need to rethink our reliance on government-controlled school meals and explore alternatives such as private schools and homeschooling.
Politicized Nutrition Science
One of the major problems in the field of nutrition science is its politicization. Influences from industry and biased research have shaped dietary guidelines, often favoring certain food groups over others. This raises doubts about the validity of the information being taught in schools.
For example, the infamous Food Pyramid, which emphasized carbohydrates and downplayed fats, was influenced by political interests rather than scientific evidence. This history of politicization undermines the credibility of nutrition science and further highlights the need for personalized approaches to food choices.
Given the politicized history of something as basic as food, it’s not surprising that even the COVID “science” has been heavily influenced by politics. It’s crucial to critically evaluate the information we receive and seek out reliable sources.Conclusion: Embracing Individualized Nutrition
It’s time to acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach to school food is ineffective and potentially harmful. Students come from diverse backgrounds with unique nutritional needs. We should empower families to make their own food choices based on their cultural traditions and genetic makeup.
By embracing individualized nutrition, we can ensure that students receive the nutrients they need to thrive academically and physically. This requires a shift away from socialist-style thinking and a recognition of the importance of personalized dietary choices.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
How does the school food system fail to consider the unique needs of each student’s overall well-being?
Performance. Without considering the unique needs of each student, the school food system is missing an opportunity to promote their overall well-being.
The emphasis on organic and vegan options may seem like a step in the right direction, but it ignores the fact that each individual has genetic variations that determine their response to different nutrients. Nutrigenomics, the study of how genes and nutrition interact, highlights the importance of personalized nutrition. By understanding these genetic variations, individuals can choose an eating plan that aligns with their genetic makeup. However, the current approach to school food neglects this crucial aspect of personalized nutrition.
Additionally, the politicization of nutrition science raises concerns about the reliability of the nutritional guidelines being
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