California has enacted a new law that will be the first in the nation to phase out certain ultraprocessed foods from school meals. The legislation, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, targets foods considered a “concern” based on health risks and will be determined by the Public Health Department by June 2028. Schools must begin removing these items by 2029, with a full implementation by 2035. This effort aligns with a growing movement, supported by bipartisan support, toward making school meals more nutritious and healthier for children.
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The shocking news that 1 in 3 teens have prediabetes is a real wake-up call. It’s a staggering figure, and honestly, it doesn’t completely surprise me. Thinking back to my own high school experience, the food choices weren’t exactly ideal. The “healthy” options were often basic and unappealing, while the tempting, sugary stuff was readily available and, let’s be honest, often more appealing. When you’re a growing teen, those extra calories can feel necessary, leading to a cycle of choosing the less nutritious options.
It seems like sugar is lurking everywhere these days. Single-serving drinks boasting more sugar than you should consume in a day, or even a day and a half, are commonplace.… Continue reading
In a recent interview, Dr. Mehmet Oz advocated for parents to feed their children whole, unprocessed foods, emphasizing the importance of a diet based on recognizable, naturally grown produce. He linked this to national health, citing alarmingly low military eligibility rates among youth due to underlying health issues. This advice prompted significant online mockery, with critics highlighting the hypocrisy of the current administration promoting healthy eating after previously deriding similar initiatives. The statement follows similar calls for healthier school meals from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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The USDA has finally updated rules for school meals, limiting added sugars for the first time. As a cook at a non-profit preschool, I can attest to the excessive sugar content in so-called “approved” kids’ food. It’s shocking to see the amount of added sugars in seemingly healthy options like whole grain muffins, waffles, and french toast. The labor-intensive process of incorporating fresh produce and dairy into meals is often overlooked due to the convenience and cost-efficiency of processed foods.
Improving school meals is crucial, considering the poor nutrition and low wages of cafeteria staff in many institutions. It’s disheartening to see school lunches consisting of minimal portions of subpar nutrition, such as corn dogs and chips.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood