Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just read that conventional American apples are banned in Europe because of the level of chemicals. Yikes! What independent schools in Washington, D.C. offer an organic lunch program? Are any a hybrid where they at least offer the "dirty dozen" in organic and cleaner produce is sometimes conventional?

OP, as a food scientist, all I can say is that people like you really scare me.

Ah. Food scientists. Are you helping create genetically modified salmon? Trying to prove artificial trans fats aren't harmful? Creating addictive junk food full of chemicals?

Not at all. But I promise I know more about this topic than you do, and what you've "read somewhere" about your food.

Not the PP but what is your point? That organic is not organic? Gluten-free is hogwash? Allergies are made up? Processed food isn't as bad as fruit with pesticides. What is your point in your vague comments about a mom who is just trying to find a school that might offer healthy options instead of sloppy joe thrown on a plate.

My point is that OP started this thread by stating that she "just read" that US apples are banned in Europe and now she wants to make a decision on her child's schooling, based on which schools offer organic for lunch. It's a silly and ridiculous point on which to base such an important decision.

NPS uses Meriwether Godsey. It's not all organic, but much of it is local. We've been really happy with the healthy selection they offer our kids and our kids actually like the food.

Anonymous wrote:GDS. Pack whatever you want.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Today's menu from the Sidwell middle school

Local Cantaloupe and
Brazilian Sweet Potato Salad
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Philly Cheese Steaks
Ciabatta Veggie Melts
Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Bananas

There is no such thing as "local" cantaloupe this time of year. Who do they think they are fooling? (You, obviously!)

Not a Sidwell parent but any part of that salad could be local, preserved or frozen and then served. It doesn't have to be the cantaloupe. And cantaloupe can be grown indoors, in a climate controlled green house or frozen. Why don't you post your child's wonderful menu so someone else can bash it???

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just read that conventional American apples are banned in Europe because of the level of chemicals. Yikes! What independent schools in Washington, D.C. offer an organic lunch program? Are any a hybrid where they at least offer the "dirty dozen" in organic and cleaner produce is sometimes conventional?

OP, as a food scientist, all I can say is that people like you really scare me.

Ah. Food scientists. Are you helping create genetically modified salmon? Trying to prove artificial trans fats aren't harmful? Creating addictive junk food full of chemicals?

Not at all. But I promise I know more about this topic than you do, and what you've "read somewhere" about your food.

Not the PP but what is your point? That organic is not organic? Gluten-free is hogwash? Allergies are made up? Processed food isn't as bad as fruit with pesticides. What is your point in your vague comments about a mom who is just trying to find a school that might offer healthy options instead of sloppy joe thrown on a plate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just read that conventional American apples are banned in Europe because of the level of chemicals. Yikes! What independent schools in Washington, D.C. offer an organic lunch program? Are any a hybrid where they at least offer the "dirty dozen" in organic and cleaner produce is sometimes conventional?

OP, as a food scientist, all I can say is that people like you really scare me.

Ah. Food scientists. Are you helping create genetically modified salmon? Trying to prove artificial trans fats aren't harmful? Creating addictive junk food full of chemicals?

Not at all. But I promise I know more about this topic than you do, and what you've "read somewhere" about your food.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just read that conventional American apples are banned in Europe because of the level of chemicals. Yikes! What independent schools in Washington, D.C. offer an organic lunch program? Are any a hybrid where they at least offer the "dirty dozen" in organic and cleaner produce is sometimes conventional?

OP, as a food scientist, all I can say is that people like you really scare me.

Ah. Food scientists. Are you helping create genetically modified salmon? Trying to prove artificial trans fats aren't harmful? Creating addictive junk food full of chemicals?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just read that conventional American apples are banned in Europe because of the level of chemicals. Yikes! What independent schools in Washington, D.C. offer an organic lunch program? Are any a hybrid where they at least offer the "dirty dozen" in organic and cleaner produce is sometimes conventional?

There was an article in the Post a couple of weeks ago comparing the quality of organic and non-organic food and the difference was negligible. Non-organic dairy and meats, in particular, go through a rigorous FDA approved screening process and can only have a small traceable amount of antibiotics. If the livestock is fed any antibiotic to treat illness, the livestock must be tested before it can breed, produce milk or lay eggs again to make sure the antibiotics are out of the system. With all fruit, it is important to wash it thoroughly before eating.

You'll never convince people like OP of this. It's much more exciting and elitist to pay more for organic food and tell yourself that you are somehow doing something that will make them smarter, stronger and live longer. This makes you a "better" parent. It's 99% marketing hype and people like OP are, excuse the pun, ripe for the picking.

Dear Ones,

Washing fruit will not remove pesticides. The pesticides sink deep into the fruit - think strawberries and other berries- they absorb it. You didn't read the WashPo article carefully. Enjoy your fruit salad and factory farm dreams!

Then why is the FDA allowing the US food supply to be released to the public with harmful pesticides? Why aren't we reading more about people dying or contracting cancer from eating produce from Safeway, Giant, Publix and other major food retailers? Where are the news reports? They must be keeping it hidden. I guess the deep, dark secret will come out after we are all dead.

Wow, you're right. The U.S. government is entirely on the ball when it comes to the food supply and there is certainly no conflict of interest within, say, USDA, which must protect consumers while simultaneously protecting farmers' (and largely corporations') profits.

You should educate yourself a little bit.

Anonymous wrote:Today's menu from the Sidwell middle school

Local Cantaloupe and
Brazilian Sweet Potato Salad
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Philly Cheese Steaks
Ciabatta Veggie Melts
Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Bananas

There is no such thing as "local" cantaloupe this time of year. Who do they think they are fooling? (You, obviously!)

Anonymous wrote:What company doesn't
Holton use?

Meriwether Godsey. They offer organic milk, salad and soup bar, vegetarian and gluten-free options daily. Not sure how much is true organic but most is local. The kids are not allowed to bring lunch from home. Everyone must eat the food. My kids love it and parents are welcome to come have lunch too. It is really good.

I love that Sandy Spring has their own food garden. I think all privates should do that.


One day's menu at Holton...


Mushroom Barley Soup

Soup du Jour

Alice Water's Lentil Salad

Freekeh Tabbouleh

Goat Cheese & Greens Salad

Greek Gyro Bar

Chicken Gyro

Tzatziki and Tomatoes

Greek Salad Platter

Traditional & Spinach Hummus

Sea Salt & Pepper Roasted Potatoes

Sauteed Chard with Feta

Farmer's Market Vegetable

Vegan Sundried Tomato Hummus

Granola, Fruit, Yogurt Bar

Anonymous wrote:Sandy Spring cooks fresh organic meals every day including a vegan option. They have a multi-acre farm producing their own vegetables. They supply some restaurants in Olney and Rockville

That school is awesome

Organic food is hooey. http://badgerherald.com/oped/2012/09/12/organic-food-the-big/#.U168jscyEu8

Today's menu from the Sidwell middle school

Local Cantaloupe and
Brazilian Sweet Potato Salad
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Philly Cheese Steaks
Ciabatta Veggie Melts
Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Bananas

Anonymous wrote:Sidwell -- no way! I know from experience in the ms and us... It is not organic. It's totally great but not organic.

Here is a description. Not exclusively organic, but seems pretty consistent with the underlying principles. http://www.sidwell.edu/feen/food/food/index.aspx?LinkId=32897&ModuleId=651

Grow your own and homeschool.