Project Lunch - The School Lunch Challenge



the chefs for the School Lunch Challenge

On November 12, I particpated in the Project Lunch: School Lunch Challenge event that was presented by Teens Turning Green and Marin Academy Eco Council. The event was held at Marin Academy. First, we walked into their auditorium and listened to some students speak (Ali Chan, Max Norman, Courtney Jacobson). They all had very intelligent things to say. After the students spoke Chef Ann Cooper (originally from Alice Waters’ garden!) talked to us about changing our schools lunch systems, and Congress member Lynn Woolsey talked to us about how government policies needed to change to be more supportive to schools and our health.

We then went down to the MA kitchen and prepare food; we broke up into six groups where local chefs were waiting to teach us how to cook a meal on $1.20 per student while meeting USDA guidelines. Once we finished the food we all sat down and ate a great meal. After several fire alarms (the smoke detectors went off more than once!) we went back up stairs and had a panel discussion where the student speakers asked questions to the adult speakers. We learned about what was wrong in the system and ways we can change it, like starting an edible garden and the importance of being organic.



the Project Lunch Stakeholders



Teens Turning Green & The White House Organic Farm



photograph by Art Rogers/Point Reyes for Marin Organic

Two weeks ago I was invited to present The Miller Creek Edible Garden & Outdoor Kitchen project to the PROJECT LUNCH stakeholders meeting for TEENS TURNING GREEN. My dad held the pictures of the garden/plans while I talked about how it was going to help teach students about eating healthier, learn how to grow organic food, and  help fight childhood obesity. PROJECT LUNCH is an organization that is helping schools (and gardens!) in turning more green. The stakeholders talked about inspiring students and the community to improve the school lunch programs so that kids are making healthier choices, eating local produce, growing gardens, and reducing waste. My dad and I were asked to be in this photo of the group. Everyone there was very excited and wants to particpate in our garden once we are ready.

The White House

Last week I was in Washignton DC with my parents and went to see Mrs. Obama's organic garden on the front lawn of the White House. It was much, much smaller than I thought it would be. Here are some photos I took. Mrs. Obama's plan is for childern to learn more about nutrition and physical activity. Her plan is called "Let's Move!" and the garden is called " The White House Organic Farm." Our garden will also be about nutrition and we plan to help teach students about eating better and being healthier through nutrition and physical activity.



This is the organic garden on the White House south west lawn




The information sign about the garden