In this chapter “School Cafeterias, The American Cuisine and Processed Foods,” grabbed my attention. Who would have thought the common school could be credited for initiating the processed food movement? Moreover, credited for people not wanting to cook at home in America. In addition to the movement, we can thank Ellen Richard’s for setting the standards for bland foods in hospitals and schools. According to her, prepackaged foods were a better alternative to preparing food yourself.
Thank goodness, things are changing for the better with the popularity of farm fresh foods and locals supporting community support agriculture. Mainstream companies have had their share of influencing consumers and contributing to obesity in America. Okay, maybe we can’t give the food giants full credit for the dismay. The government has been a contributor in the poor food choices of Americans too.
Things are slowly changing for the better, now as people are resorting to healthier food choices on their own. After reading this chapter I was left with the notion-should we continue to allow schools to determine what we should eat in higher education setting? In the lower schools should parents be provided with alternative options for their children especially with those with religious and special dietary needs? After-all, isn’t it our tax dollars?
At least we can give Kudos to Mayor Bloomberg for banning Trans fat in public eateries.
