Today, Explained Cafeteria wars
33 snips
Jan 22, 2025 
In this enlightening discussion, Jane Black, a seasoned food journalist and author of the Consumed newsletter, explores the turbulent history of school lunches in America. She highlights the challenges of reformers like RFK Jr. and the impact of Michelle Obama's initiatives on healthier eating. Black showcases a Black-owned school food company dedicated to fresh meals and dives into the complexities of navigating federal regulations. The conversation unpacks the struggle for better nutrition standards, revealing the tension between community desires and industry opposition.
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Sad School Lunches
- Miles Bryan recalls school lunches with little fondness.
- He remembers sad, shrink-wrapped lasagna and generally avoiding the meals.
Fresh Food vs. CN Labels
- Red Rabbit CEO, Reese Powell, discusses the challenges of serving fresh food in schools.
- He highlights the difficulties with CN labels, designed for processed foods, not fresh ingredients.
Fresh Food in Action
- Chef Darian DeVar prepares a fresh, healthy meal at Idea Charter School.
- The meal includes whole wheat spaghetti, mixed vegetables, and brown butter ricotta, a stark contrast to processed lunches.