Posted on 07/14/2014 4:40:48 PM PDT by kristinn
Michelle Obama’s food policy czar, celebrity chef Sam Kass, was once so in with the lunch lady crowd, he landed a guest judge spot on a tearful school lunch episode of Food Network’s “Chopped” and handed out awards at the School Nutrition Association’s convention in Denver.
Two years later, when he asked to speak at the group’s annual convention this week in Boston, the answer: “No.”
The rebuke shows how ugly the fight has become between the first lady and her supporters, who want kids to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in their school lunches, and the organization that represents cafeteria workers and their allies who argue that the federal government is going too far in its push for healthier meals.
At stake is the health of millions of kids, an $11 billion school lunch program dominated by big food companies that want to build brand loyalty early, and even the legacy of the first lady — who has made combating the childhood obesity epidemic her primary cause.
So while the specifics might look like a food fight, behind the clash are all the big forces that shape major political battles — money, lobbying muscle, big personalities — and an ideological split over the size and role of the federal government, especially when it comes to kids.
“Our members are very frustrated,” said Patricia Montague, SNA’s CEO.
“Everybody is feeling a little bit stretched and stressed by what they’re facing,” she said, citing an onslaught of policy memos and regulations.
Montague acknowledged that Kass, through the Department of Agriculture, asked to speak at SNA’s conference this week “to rally the troops” on the nutrition standards. This year, roughly 6,500 school nutrition professionals are attending the conference, which runs through Wednesday in Boston.
We didn’t feel [our members] wanted to hear the rallying call,” she said. “We felt it was best he not come.”
The first lady’s office declined to comment on Kass’ request to speak.
SNIP
Waitress, could i get a order of schadenfreude over here-make it a large.
CC
“Everybody is feeling a little bit stretched and stressed by what they’re facing,” she said, citing an onslaught of policy memos and regulations.
They voted for it.
Yikes! Look out for aunt Esther, she’ll hit you with that shovel!
CC
Eating ‘right’ seems to have little correlation to longevity or health.
Worrying about it all the time does make one sick.
Lots of false choices in that paragraph...
If that isn't some commie lib, bull**** drivel, I don't know what is. Those kids don't have a clue which "BIG" (OMG!) food companies supply the food they're eating. How the hell would they know which "BIG" (OMG!) food company to be "loyal" to! Lord help us. We're working with some hardcore morons here! Liberals really need to cut down on the "recreational drugs". Especially the liberal "teachers" and politicians.
Agree 100%.
“ominated by big food companies that want to build brand loyalty early”
Things sure have changed. When I went to grade school we never had school lunches. Towards the end they had hot dogs on Wednesday that we brought money to pay for. I never saw a brand on anything other than the milk which was a local dairy.
If Moo doesn’t show up, the conference will be significantly less ugly!
As a nutrition professional in the thick of this in Boston I can tell you it has gotten ugly. I am in a position where I can not share my opinion because there is truly fear about saying the wrong thing to the wrong person and affecting your job. I am literally afraid to say any more about it, even on here. That is how crazy this has all become...
Nanny State PING!
Thanks for the ping!
Thank you very much, it’s just what I was looking for, LOL.
CC
Bwaaaahaahaa haaaa! No mousse for the Moose.
Breaking news: people don’t like to be told what to do.
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