Just when you think summer may go on forever, school starts.

 

It happened here last week, and I can't tell you how much media coverage was devoted to school lunch, healthy after school snacks, and the importance of eating breakfast before school. A worthy topic to cover, indeed!

Food can be a true battle ground with kids - I clearly remember many of my own. I attended Catholic grade school, where lunch was prepared by the church ladies; there wasn't a "branded" Pizza Hut or Taco Bell station in sight. Even though the food was prepared from scratch, and probably tasted pretty good, I just couldn't muster up the enthusiasm to eat it - I was beyond picky. I spent many a day after lunch staring at the green beans that I refused to eat, which resulted in the teacher refusing to let me go out to recess. Please, don't get me started. 

 

In high school I HATED to eat breakfast. I simply wasn't hungry. My mom would beg and plead with me, and finally just send me off armed against late morning hunger with a granola bar. I honestly don't remember if I ever ate it.

 

So for all of you who feed kids, know someone who feeds kids, or just think that it's a good idea to feed healthy food to kids, meet Chef Ann Cooper. She goes by the title, "renegade lunch lady". For the life of me, I can't fathom why anyone needs to be convinced that feeding healthy food to grow healthy kids isn't a bad idea. But for those who aren't on board with it, Chef Ann has made it her mission to educate, enlighten, and turn the nutritious lunch ship in the right direction. I just love her.

Chef Ann Cooper