I was encouraged by the article below (A Push for Healthier School Meals) forwarded by The FOOD TRUST, a nonprofit advocate for better public policy aimed at improving the health of children and adults through good nutrition and increased access to nutritious foods.The article discusses a national movement for healthier school meals. It also details the Obama Administration's commitment to addressing childhood obesity, hunger and its goal of getting fresh, healthy food in public schools and poor neighborhoods. Some of these schools, by the way, serve as the only way some children receive a nutritious meal. Amazingly, according to the article, only two-thirds of the nation's city schools - mostly elementary and middle - have no kitchens or methods to prepare fresh food.
This quote: "There's change coming .." reminded me that an innovative, multi-faceted agenda can finally turn disenfranchised urban areas into vibrant, sustainable communities.
On Saturday, I'm attending radio and television personality Tavis Smiley's symposium at Chicago State University. Among other topics, high-profile black leaders will discuss the need for a specific black agenda and if Obama should champion this agenda -- or not.
Personally, I'm hoping the conversation moves toward action on a multi-faceted, do-for-self-with-a-little-help urban agenda that empowers all black and disenfranchised people.
Read the article below. Follow the link to The Food Trust. Read about the efforts and initiatives to bring fresh, healthy food to poverty-stricken communities. For me, I imagine school kitchens that not only prepare fresh, healthy meals, I see urban residents working in those schools. I imagine innovative, fresh food cooperatives in urban areas that supply food to stores, schools and surrounding government agencies. Is it possible for subsidies to help residents turn abandoned lots into community gardens that supply this food? Is it possible to create replicable models that will give urbanites a shot at recreating their own communities and redefining their own destinies?
I sincerely believe there's change and an empowering agenda coming ... if we are bold enough to innovate and invest in people again.Read the article, visit the web site ... and let's imagine together
A push for healthier school meals
Philly.com / Mar. 17, 2010 by Alfred Lubrano
The Food Trust
Comments