Do you know what’s in your child’s school-supplied lunch?

 The unfortunate reality is that we CANNOT rely on school-supplied lunches to nourish our growing children!

In September 2022 “Moms Across America” (MAA) posted the alarming results of a study on school-supplied lunches. The study consisted of 43 school lunch samples collected by parents and students from public schools in 15 states.

Of those samples tested, results revealed:

95.3% contained the herbicide glyphosate, a suspected carcinogenic.

74% contained at least one of 29 harmful pesticides.

21% contained four veterinary drugs and hormones at high levels.

100% contained heavy metals at levels up to 6,293 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) maximum levels allowed in drinking water.

 

When you consider the fact that your child is eating lunch at school 5 days a week, that all adds up really fast.

 

In addition, most of the school lunch samples were found to be very low in nutrients.

The MAA noted:“Without proper nutrients, our children’s brains will not function properly, and their bodies will not be developed as needed. Often children with learning and behavioral issues are deficient in just one or two minerals or vitamins; when those nutrients are added to their diet, their mental, physical, and behavioral issues subside. Even violent behavior is discontinued. Our children must have proper nutrient-dense food.”

 

Buy organic food whenever possible. Or prioritize purchasing organic for the most heavily sprayed crops such as berries (and many other fruits with peels that we consume), leafy greens, potatoes, and celery.​​​​​​​​
When eating conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly. Peel skins off conventional fruit and veggies.​​​​​​​​
Local is better. Look for food grown in the U.S., as some countries permit the use of pesticides and herbicides even more toxic than glyphosate. Better yet, get to know your local farmer. Your food will be fresher, last longer, and you can get to know who grows your food and how.​​​​​​​​
Cook at home as often as you can. This allows you more control over what goes on your plate and into your body. It will save you money too!​​​​​​​​

Packing a lunch for you child is 100% the best way to make sure that the food your child is eating at school is healthy and nourishing!

We are parents too! We know we are all busy! But making time to meal-prep weekly lunches is really be worth it. School-supplied lunches seriously need a complete overhaul. They are packed with processed ingredients, full of sugar, salt, factory-farmed animal products, GMO ingredients, inflammatory oils, and more. 

Nothing processed is ever perfect, and though there are better store-bought options, they are often times also more expensive. Weigh the long-term risks and benefits, and make small changes as you go. Even replacing one “bad” item with a “better” one decreases your toxic load little by little.

 

If you have the time, you can eat well and save some money by choosing fresh, raw ingredients and prepping them yourselves. We know that is not realistic for everyone.