Anonymous wrote:

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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.

Can I ask what you do recommend re: organic? I buy as much organic produce as possible, but it isn't always available. I always buy organic milk, but usually not for the other dairy (yogurt, butter, cheese). I almost always buy organic chicken. Sometimes organic beef. Is this worthwhile or not? Should I try to buy more organic? What do you think is best?

Some questions to ask yourself about this: What is your purpose in buying organic? Do you think the products taste better? Do you believe they are fresher? Is your decision purely based on trying to avoid pesticides and other chemicals? Do you do it because your sister/ mother is fanatical on the issue, or you believe it is an image issue (Some people think that way, believe me!) Is your food budget unlimited, to the degree that the additional cost is not a factor to you? These issues are important because I believe that your personal circumstances influence the answers to these questions you ask, as to what is best for your family.

Solely to avoid pesticides/other harmful things. Price doesn't really affect what I do (I guess it would at some point, but I am happy to pay up for the additional costs I have seen betwee organic v non-organic).

My personal/ professional opinion is that organic is of course fine, and probably beneficial in at least some circumstances, but by no means the answer/ safety salvation across the board that many think it is.

Thanks. I kind of feel like it can only help, so why not, especially if it isn't hard to find.

Exactly The problem comes when people will not eat a vegetable, meat or certain food because it is not organic. It is of course better to eat conventionally grown strawberries than no strawberries at all. FYI, I recently read a paper about studies done in Poland comparing tomato juices processed from organic tomatoes, versus those made from conventionally grown tomatoes. They found that the real differences in nutritient content from the juices came not from the organic/ non-organic issue, but the year that the tomatoes were grown. Some years just had better and more nutrient-dense crops. There was some different in the O-NO nutrient composition but it was neglible and about evenly split -- some juices grown organically had certain nutrients in higher content, while others grown conventionally had other nutrients in higher content. The pesticides, of course, are another matter!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS. Pack whatever you want.

I have to say not having to do breakfast or lunches everyday saves us a lot of time and money. I hated packing lunches.

I get that it saves you time, but there is no way that it saves you money.

How does it not save me money? Both breakfast and lunch are included with tuition at Holton-Arms. This way, everyone eats the same thing. It is wonderful.

Oh, yes, the cost for that is just "included." Thrown in for FREE!! No one pays for it, no one at all....

I didn't say it was Free. It is included. So kids on 95% FA up to the richest all get the same healthy food. They get breakfast too. Obviously tuition pays for it. It also pays for the staff to eat too. All of them eat in the lunch room with the kids because the food is good. My daughter loves when a teacher or head sits at their table to eat and chat.

Anyway, GDS cost similar to Holton so if you are making breakfast and packing lunches daily, it does make a financial difference. If you prefer that, fine but no need to bash. I have a younger one in K public and packing lunches is a PIA for me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS. Pack whatever you want.

I have to say not having to do breakfast or lunches everyday saves us a lot of time and money. I hated packing lunches.

I get that it saves you time, but there is no way that it saves you money.

How does it not save me money? Both breakfast and lunch are included with tuition at Holton-Arms. This way, everyone eats the same thing. It is wonderful.

Oh, yes, the cost for that is just "included." Thrown in for FREE!! No one pays for it, no one at all....

You're aware that you can pay the same for tuition at other schools and not have healthy, tasty food included, right?

Anonymous wrote:

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

OK OK I am a bit envious!! This type of menu isn't even all that expensive; it is just intelligent. What a shame most schools have such bad food! What a mouth-watering school lunch menu!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

Can I ask what you do recommend re: organic? I buy as much organic produce as possible, but it isn't always available. I always buy organic milk, but usually not for the other dairy (yogurt, butter, cheese). I almost always buy organic chicken. Sometimes organic beef. Is this worthwhile or not? Should I try to buy more organic? What do you think is best?

Some questions to ask yourself about this: What is your purpose in buying organic? Do you think the products taste better? Do you believe they are fresher? Is your decision purely based on trying to avoid pesticides and other chemicals? Do you do it because your sister/ mother is fanatical on the issue, or you believe it is an image issue (Some people think that way, believe me!) Is your food budget unlimited, to the degree that the additional cost is not a factor to you? These issues are important because I believe that your personal circumstances influence the answers to these questions you ask, as to what is best for your family.

Solely to avoid pesticides/other harmful things. Price doesn't really affect what I do (I guess it would at some point, but I am happy to pay up for the additional costs I have seen betwee organic v non-organic).

My personal/ professional opinion is that organic is of course fine, and probably beneficial in at least some circumstances, but by no means the answer/ safety salvation across the board that many think it is.

Thanks. I kind of feel like it can only help, so why not, especially if it isn't hard to find.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS. Pack whatever you want.

I have to say not having to do breakfast or lunches everyday saves us a lot of time and money. I hated packing lunches.

I get that it saves you time, but there is no way that it saves you money.

How does it not save me money? Both breakfast and lunch are included with tuition at Holton-Arms. This way, everyone eats the same thing. It is wonderful.

Oh, yes, the cost for that is just "included." Thrown in for FREE!! No one pays for it, no one at all....

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS. Pack whatever you want.

I have to say not having to do breakfast or lunches everyday saves us a lot of time and money. I hated packing lunches.

I get that it saves you time, but there is no way that it saves you money.

How does it not save me money? Both breakfast and lunch are included with tuition at Holton-Arms. This way, everyone eats the same thing. It is wonderful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Can I ask what you do recommend re: organic? I buy as much organic produce as possible, but it isn't always available. I always buy organic milk, but usually not for the other dairy (yogurt, butter, cheese). I almost always buy organic chicken. Sometimes organic beef. Is this worthwhile or not? Should I try to buy more organic? What do you think is best?

Some questions to ask yourself about this: What is your purpose in buying organic? Do you think the products taste better? Do you believe they are fresher? Is your decision purely based on trying to avoid pesticides and other chemicals? Do you do it because your sister/ mother is fanatical on the issue, or you believe it is an image issue (Some people think that way, believe me!) Is your food budget unlimited, to the degree that the additional cost is not a factor to you? These issues are important because I believe that your personal circumstances influence the answers to these questions you ask, as to what is best for your family.

Solely to avoid pesticides/other harmful things. Price doesn't really affect what I do (I guess it would at some point, but I am happy to pay up for the additional costs I have seen betwee organic v non-organic).

My personal/ professional opinion is that organic is of course fine, and probably beneficial in at least some circumstances, but by no means the answer/ safety salvation across the board that many think it is.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Where in her post did the OP say that she would make a decision based on this criterion? I only saw a request for information.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Can I ask what you do recommend re: organic? I buy as much organic produce as possible, but it isn't always available. I always buy organic milk, but usually not for the other dairy (yogurt, butter, cheese). I almost always buy organic chicken. Sometimes organic beef. Is this worthwhile or not? Should I try to buy more organic? What do you think is best?

Some questions to ask yourself about this: What is your purpose in buying organic? Do you think the products taste better? Do you believe they are fresher? Is your decision purely based on trying to avoid pesticides and other chemicals? Do you do it because your sister/ mother is fanatical on the issue, or you believe it is an image issue (Some people think that way, believe me!) Is your food budget unlimited, to the degree that the additional cost is not a factor to you? These issues are important because I believe that your personal circumstances influence the answers to these questions you ask, as to what is best for your family.

Solely to avoid pesticides/other harmful things. Price doesn't really affect what I do (I guess it would at some point, but I am happy to pay up for the additional costs I have seen betwee organic v non-organic).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Can I ask what you do recommend re: organic? I buy as much organic produce as possible, but it isn't always available. I always buy organic milk, but usually not for the other dairy (yogurt, butter, cheese). I almost always buy organic chicken. Sometimes organic beef. Is this worthwhile or not? Should I try to buy more organic? What do you think is best?

Some questions to ask yourself about this: What is your purpose in buying organic? Do you think the products taste better? Do you believe they are fresher? Is your decision purely based on trying to avoid pesticides and other chemicals? Do you do it because your sister/ mother is fanatical on the issue, or you believe it is an image issue (Some people think that way, believe me!) Is your food budget unlimited, to the degree that the additional cost is not a factor to you? These issues are important because I believe that your personal circumstances influence the answers to these questions you ask, as to what is best for your family.

Nowhere did the OP state that they were basing a school decision on this topic.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Can I ask what you do recommend re: organic? I buy as much organic produce as possible, but it isn't always available. I always buy organic milk, but usually not for the other dairy (yogurt, butter, cheese). I almost always buy organic chicken. Sometimes organic beef. Is this worthwhile or not? Should I try to buy more organic? What do you think is best?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS. Pack whatever you want.

I have to say not having to do breakfast or lunches everyday saves us a lot of time and money. I hated packing lunches.

I get that it saves you time, but there is no way that it saves you money.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GDS. Pack whatever you want.

I have to say not having to do breakfast or lunches everyday saves us a lot of time and money. I hated packing lunches.