Jane Black

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.

Joining the discussion are Janet Poppendick, a retired professor and author focused on school food reform, and Jane Black, an insightful food journalist. They delve into the intriguing history of school lunches, exploring how crises like the Great Depression shaped nutritional policies. Discover the contradictory hunger amidst agricultural surpluses and the evolution of the National School Lunch Program. They also advocate for universal free school meals as a means to enhance student engagement and combat stigma in food quality.