I started talking this week about how dissatisfied I am with the lunches they serve in our elementary schools in Green Bay.  I know your first thought, "Then pack a cold lunch Radio Boy."  I do.  Every day I have them.  They don't have enough time to eat, so I give them three things.  Sandwich, apple or bananna, and cut up carrots.  But, I only have them half the time.  And what about the other kids?  Some of them are on free lunch programs and this is the most/best they may get all day?  And what about setting a good example for them? 

I remember growing up when the food was cooked in the school.  I guess I have some old fashioned idea that we could/should still be doing that. 

Susan Baier, the Food Service Director for Green Bay Area Public Schools came in to give me a little bit more detail on how they make the food and what changes are coming.  I have to say, she is AWESOME!  She kept telling me not to worry about offending her, she wants to have an open public discussion about this.  I get the feeling she'd also like us all to be cooking every day in the schools for our kids, but that's just not possible right now.  Most of the GB Elementary schoosl don't even have a kitchen.  

I'm going to tour the facility where they make the food in the next few weeks, and she's invited anyone who wants to tour to contact her.  She can be reached at sabaier@gbaps.org 

Here is what the kids had today.

There is great news.  First of all, Susan and the folks working every day to make the food for our little ones care deeply about them and their nutrition. 

And...they're making changes!

Salad bars are coming to all GB elementary schools(yours may already have it.)  And that IS good news.  Hudson is a veggie eater, so if he has a chance to pick his own carrots or Broccoli on days I don't have him, he'll be super happy.

This is how the veggies come to most of the elementary schools right now.

They bake the rolls and deserts and homemade bread every day at the facility off Guns Road in Green Bay.

If you'd like more information on the GB elementary school lunches, contact Sue or check out their website gbfoodservice.com

It seems like an overwhelming task.  To cook for so many kids every day from one facility.  And to change that seems even more daunting.  But, if we start talking about it right now, maybe we can make a difference.  We are meeting the FDA requirements for the kids every day, but I don't know if I am super excited about that.  That's like striving for a "C". 

But, the more we talk about it and get involved, the more likely things can change even more.  So let's get started now!