The Beef About School Lunches

"Do School Cafeterias Make the Grade?" [usnews.com] highlighted the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)'s 2007 school lunch report card.

PCRM is an anti-meat, anti-dairy group. How can schools get a fair shake when the rankings are based on how much meat and dairy is removed from the menu? Research shows that eating right helps kids do well in school, and milk, cheese and yogurt are among the most nutritious, convenient and affordable choices for school meal and vending programs. In fact, the most recent dietary guidelines listed low-fat and non-fat dairy foods among the food groups to encourage along with fruits, vegetables and whole grains as children are currently lacking the nutrients dairy foods and other nutrient rich foods provide in their diet.

Teresa Wagner
Director of Dairy Confidence and Medical Outreach
Fort Worth