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[quote=Anonymous]FYI we are already members of a DC private school community.  My question was about who offers an organic lunch. I do not know why you feel the need to be a bully on this topic while offering no evidence to your assertion that I am crazy to be interested in organic apples. In 2012 the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with two statements about the topic. Children have unique susciptibility to toxicities from pesticides in terms of their growth and development. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/6/e1757.full

In a statement on pesticide exposure they state that continual low-level pesticide exposure is of concern. Under mechanisms of exposure they make the following statement:
[quote]Children encounter pesticides daily in air, food, dust, and soil and on surfaces through home and public lawn or garden application, household insecticide use, application to pets, and agricultural product residues.3–9 For many children, diet may be the most influential source, as illustrated by an intervention study that placed children on an organic diet (produced without pesticide) and observed drastic and immediate decrease in urinary excretion of pesticide metabolites.10[/quote]

Nevertheless, the AAP recognizes the real-life quandary that parents face in terms of budgetary constraint.

[quote“What’s most important is that children eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whether those are conventional or organic foods. This type of diet has proven health benefits,” said Janet Silverstein, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and one of the lead authors of the report. “Many families have a limited food budget, and we do not want families to choose to consume smaller amounts of more expensive organic foods and thus reduce their overall intake of healthy foods like produce.” - See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/american-academy-of-pediatrics-weighs-in-for-the-first-time-on-organic-foods-for-children.aspx#sthash.rVFG8hBc.dpuf[/quote]

They also suggest doing the practical thing that most parents that I know do: shop according to the "dirty dozen" list.
[quote]If cost is a factor, families can be selective in choosing organic foods, Dr. Forman said. Some conventionally grown fruits and vegetables tend to have lower pesticide residues. The AAP cites organic shopper’s guides like those provided by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group as references for consumers. - See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/american-academy-of-pediatrics-weighs-in-for-the-first-time-on-organic-foods-for-children.aspx#sthash.rVFG8hBc.dpuf[/quote

Bottom line is that it is important for parents to think about what they feed their families and why. If the "food scientist" poster has something positive to add to the conversation in terms of educational information that can help parents and schools in this endeavor, I would be happy to read what you have to say. [/quote]

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