Foodlink staff joined students, parents and health advocates yesterday at a rally outside the Rochester City School District’s central office to protest against school lunches and call for healthier, more nutritious food in city schools. The grassroots rally was held prior to the Rochester City School District Board of Education meeting to greet arriving Commissioners with a message about the importance of improving school food and student health. During the meeting, students from School 28 spoke about the need for better school food and demonstrated how current “school lunches are gross.” They appealed to the Board to consider the effect on test scores when bad food is thrown away and children are trying to learn on empty stomachs.
The Rochester City School District’s food-service contract with Chartwells is up for renewal in June, and Foodlink is working with advocates, parents, and students to ensure that the new contract ensures healthy and appealing food for our children. Simple steps including eliminating the option of whole milk or using whole grain options can make strides in improving health outcomes for children.
This event was part of the HEALTHI Kids (Healthy Eating and Active Living THrough policy and practice Initiatives for Kids) Initiative of Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency. HEALTHI Kids is a community-based coalition advocating for better school food and safer, more accessible areas of play.
To see video coverage of the event: “Students Bring ‘Food Fight’ to School Board Meeting”
Documentary made by students at School 28: “Lunch is Gross”