1,000 signatures reached
To: Tom Vilsack and Donald Trump
Remove all schools from Michelle Obama food plan
Kaden Pugh
333 east 3rd avenue
333 east 3rd avenue
Langeloth, PA, 15054
2/12/25
The Honorable Tom Vilsack
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
1100 S. Ocean Blvd
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Subject: Concerns Regarding School Lunch Policies
Dear Secretary Vilsack and President Trump,
I am writing to express my concerns about the current school lunch program and the policies implemented under former First Lady Michelle Obamas ,who currently holds no place of power, initiatives. While the goal of improving nutrition in schools is commendable, many students, parents, and educators have voiced concerns over the effectiveness and practicality of these regulations.
One major issue is the lack of appeal, portion sizes of school lunches, and demoralization. Many students find the meals unappetizing, leading to increased food waste and decreased participation in school lunch programs. Additionally, the strict regulations on calorie counts and food options often leave students, especially those involved in athletics or with higher energy needs, without enough nourishment to sustain them throughout the school day.
Furthermore, the increased costs associated with meeting these nutrition standards place financial burdens on schools, particularly those in lower-income districts. Many schools struggle to afford the mandated food options, and some have even opted out of the federal program altogether, limiting access to meals for students who rely on school-provided food.
I urge you to consider reforms that balance nutrition with practicality, ensuring that school meals are both healthy and appealing to students. Schools should have more flexibility in meal planning to accommodate regional preferences, dietary needs, and budget constraints. By pulling schools away from the strict guidelines imposed by the prior administrations program, we can work toward a system that truly benefits students rather than forcing one-size-fits-all policies that may not be effective.
I appreciate your time and attention to this important matter and hope you will take action to address these concerns.
Sincerely,
Kaden Pugh and others affected by this.
Why is this important?
1. Better Meals for Students
Many students find school lunches unappetizing and insufficient in portion size. By advocating for change, we can push for meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable, ensuring students actually eat and benefit from them rather than throwing food away.
2. Less Food Waste
Current regulations often lead to excessive food waste because students refuse to eat the meals provided. Reforming these policies would allow schools to serve food that students will actually consume, making better use of taxpayer dollars.
3. More Freedom for Schools
The strict federal guidelines limit schools ability to tailor meals to their students needs. Local schools should have more control over their menus, allowing them to consider factors like regional tastes, portion sizes, and affordability while still promoting healthy eating.
4. Supporting Students Health & Performance
Many students, especially athletes and those with higher energy needs, arent getting enough food to fuel them throughout the day. Revising school lunch policies would help ensure all students have access to meals that truly meet their nutritional needs.
5. Reducing Financial Strain on Schools
Complying with federal school lunch mandates can be expensive for school districts, particularly those in lower-income areas. Schools should have more flexibility to choose affordable, high-quality food options without unnecessary financial burdens.
6. Giving Parents & Students a Voice
Students and parents should have a say in whats served in schools. By joining this movement, people can push for policies that reflect what students actually want and need, rather than top-down mandates that dont always work in practice.
7. A More Practical Approach to Nutrition
Advocating for change doesn't mean abandoning nutrition it means finding a better balance. Schools should be encouraged to provide healthy, filling meals without excessive restrictions that leave students hungry or dissatisfied.
Call to Action
If you believe students deserve better lunches, less waste, and more local control over school meal programs, then now is the time to act. Together, we can make a real difference by pushing for policies that prioritize students health, satisfaction, and schools financial well-being.