It’s Definitely Time for Lunch!

Things are happening in the sustainable food world! The White House has a food garden, Michelle Obama is talking about the importance of real food, and the Child Nutrition Act, which sets standards for the food offered to more than 30 million school children, is up for reauthorization, providing a timely opportunity to dramatically improve school breakfasts and lunches nationwide. These are exciting food times.

To focus  attention on the Child Nutrition Act, Slow Food USA has created “Time for Lunch,” asking people around the country to organize “Eat-Ins” where communities will share real food potluck-style, share their thoughts about their school food programs, and organize to advocate for improvements.

The Eat-Ins will take place September 7 in 47 states; so far 181 Eat-ins are planned – signaling the depth of desire for change. Help Time for Lunch make it a 50 state campaign – calling on parents and food advocates in North Dakota, Arkansas and Mississippi. Go to the Time for Lunch website for tips on how to organize your own potluck. On the homepage – you can see a map of where Eat-ins are scheduled.

Remember, by giving schools the resources to serve real food, we can grant 30 million children the freedom to be healthy. By teaching children to eat well, we can make a down payment on health care reform. By providing children with locally grown fruits and vegetables, we can support local farmers and create green jobs in our communities. By purchasing local food, we can stop wasting oil needed to transport food and reduce the impact on our environment. By raising children who enjoy real food, we can start laying the foundation for America’s future prosperity.

Find out more about the campaign and how to organize your own Eat-In at Time for Lunch!