Most of us have experienced the difference in taste and quality of organic food. Most of us purchase our food from farmers' markets that bring local produce and local meats to our neighborhoods. Schools, however, in the U.S., have relied on surplus ingredients from the Dep. of Agriculture to subsidize lunch and breakfast programs. Menus have relied on packaged goods laden with calories, salt, sugar and preservatives that allowed the products to be stored for years.
First Lady Michelle Obama has called attention to the quality of food served to children. And a movement to improve school lunches has been launched.
Last week, I read about a campaign by the Organic Trade Association. You may want to read the entire article on page four of Port Orford Today, February 17, 2010: www.mydfz.com/dfz.htm.
Titled Organic Food in Schools, the article talks about how the Organic Trade Association is conducting the initiative as an extention of its consumer education and awareness campaign. This particular campaign allows citizens to vote and sign up their local schools to receive start up funds to set up an organic garden. Check them out: www.organicitsworthit.org/join/current-campaigns
Our local food pantry is already receiving organic food donations from local ranchers, fisheries and farms. People here are generous and open hearted.
Let's all work to bring top quality food to our children's lunch and breakfast programs. They deserve no less.
