Malia and Sasha Obama Urged to Join Veggie Campaign

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Eating vegetarian isn't expensive at all, I'm vegan and spend a lot less than I ever did eating meat and dairy. Maybe if you are comparing going to Whole Foods for every meal vs. McDonalds it might be more expensive, but that is due to agricultural subsidies and not the food. After all, it takes veggies to feed the meat that feeds the people - I call that wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars. Getting more people to eat veggies WOULD help feed the homeless, as meat and dairy takes up an enormous amount of water and land and resources that could be used growing vegetables for people.

Dave of DC 11:52AM April 29, 2009

I'm so glad someone is urging a healthier, more compassionate, more environmentally-friendly way of eating in this country! I can't think of one good reason why someone would have a problem with wanting children to be healthy and to help the world around them.
Wintergrayce is a role model for all of us--adults and children alike--who want a healthier, kinder planet. She's got a fight ahead of her, since there are big industries with big money on the other side of the playing field, but you know what? Sometimes common sense and decency DOES rule the day, and I believe it will here!

Gretchen Primack of NY 11:39AM April 29, 2009

I think it’s great for young people to take a stand – especially when it’s a healthy choice – and to encourage other young people to do so.
My son, who is also 14, became vegetarian when he was 10. My son attends a DC area public middle school where, despite the fact that they actually do offer a vegetarian lunch option each day, it is generally very cheese laden, and not terribly healthy. I am fortunate enough to be able to pack my children a more healthful lunch each day. Sadly, the most underserved members of the community don’t have that option.
For too many children, the meals they eat in school are the only meals they have each day. They fall victim to a system that pumps processed meat and other high fat, high cholesterol foods into the schools because the government subsidizes these commodities. Vegetarian food can be more expensive than a hot dog or pepperoni pizza; not because it takes more resources to grow a tomato or head of lettuce, because it takes a far fewer, but because the government continues to subsidize cattle and pig farmers, they end up with a surplus and need to dump this unhealthy food somewhere.
I commend Wyntergrace and any young person who takes a stand about what they believe, and to enlist other young people to join them. All our nation’s children deserve to be provided healthful meal options in school. The food choices kids learn to make today will stay with them for a lifetime. We need Congress to step up, stop subsidizing unhealthy food, and do right by our kids

Debbi of DC 11:00AM April 29, 2009

Kudos to Wyntergrace! It's wonderful to hear about thoughtful young women trying to make a positive difference. It's time we offer every child the chance to get a nutritious lunch at school. Nutrition should be taught in schools just like math and science--and healthy school lunches is the way to do it!

Giorgia of MD 10:45AM April 29, 2009

Why do some people believe it is okay to have NRA reps go into our schools to teach children how to kill free-roaming animals? Why is it okay with so many people that milk is offered in our schools (a liquid from cows meant for their own babies, not for grown-up members of other species)? why is it considered acceptable for the dairy, meat, and soda industries to advertise their horrible products in our schools under the guise of "education"?
But when a child (even if it is with the help of her parents, and why shouldn't it be?) asks the Obama children to support her very worthy cause, some people get upset and choose to hurl very hurtful insults at those who are trying to make this world a better place for our children? Why is it considered abominable to teach our children to choose healthful foods, along with caring, compassion, and concern for members of other species, sentient beings who are abused by agribusiness for the sake of profit?
My congratulations and love to both Montel Williams and his daughter for speaking out in favor of such a worthy cause, i.e., asking our government to offer health-sustaining foods in our nation's schools!

Maryanne Appel of PA 10:02AM April 29, 2009

I remember how bad school food was when I was a student years ago, and unfortunately, it's gotten even worse. More processed meat, more cheesy pizza, and even less fruits and vegetables. If we don't do something about it now, it's never going to change. It's really never too early to start teaching children about nutrition. It's in these school cafeterias that kids learn about food and develop eating habits that end up lasting their whole lives.

Ann of MD 9:02AM April 29, 2009

I have a kid in school, and the lunches are terrible. It's about time somebody did something about it. I'd love for him to be able to have a veggie burger or something else with less fat and cholesterol, but every day, it's hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, whatever. When we stuff kids with high-fat foods like that, it's no wonder that so many of them are struggling with their weight.

Ben of DC 8:37AM April 29, 2009

Next child star coke fiends will be mailing Malia and Sasha to help support Cocaine legalization to end the drug war.
Montel is scum and apparently so is his family.
Leave the little girls alone.

RallyNoChaos of FL 3:38AM April 29, 2009

This is cheap shot on Montel William's part. I doubt his daughter made this appeal without professional pr advice.
Leave the Obama daughters alone. They are children and when they decide to take on a cause, it will happen naturally. They don't need the Montel Williams and his children trying to "guilt" them into something they may not even understand yet.
Montel Williams and family, PLEASE leave the Obama girls alone!

Angela of MI 9:43PM April 28, 2009

Well meaning but pretty dumb. Give the Obama girls a chance to grow up for heaven's sake.
There are too many pressures put on young girls about image and food. Let them grow up and make their own choices. Then it will mean something to them, not just something they were pressured into for image sake. These are two real flesh and blood girls, not make believe "role models" playing the parts of the president's daughters on TV.
I'm a vegetarian by choice, but I don't think it is for everyone. This is something their parent's should guide them on. Both parents seem healthy and fit so are obviously making decent choices on their own.
Wyntergrace, how about working really hard to feed the homeless? Do you have any idea how expensive it is to eat well as a vegetarian? You need to develop a well rounded and realistic view of the world. Also, I'm the parent of a school aged child. I think obesity is linked to lack of activity and poor eating choices. That doesn't go away by being vegetarian.

Elaine of FL 9:36PM April 28, 2009