What would you do if the teacher threw away your child’s lunch? That’s exactly what happened in Durham, Ontario. According to published reports, schools often throw away “unhealthy” lunches.
The Star reported that the Durham School District’s new healthy eating initiative has parents infuriated after teachers and officials have refused to let students eat specific parts of the lunches packed by their parents.
One mom got angry because her son wasn’t allowed to eat his chocolate chip banana bread.
“He came home with a chart (listing healthy snack ideas) and told me he and the teacher talked about it and healthy choices. She also sent a note to me. I was really, really, really mad for several reasons,” Daoust told The Star.
The Mother later told the teacher that her son is a picky eater and that she sent the packages of nut-free banana bread because “teachers discourage home-baked treats due to allergy concerns.”
It turns out that over 30 district parents have said that teachers throw away or send students’ lunches home. Some of the foods include Goldfish, granola bars, string cheese, Jello, juice boxes, pudding, fruit snacks, raisins, animal crackers, chocolate milk, and Sun Chips.
This type of policy doesn’t exist at my children’s school. However, I do remember a mom at my daughter’s school being upset because the teacher complained about the food her daughter brought in to school. She didn’t understand why the teacher took such an interest in her daughter’s lunch.
I can totally understand parents being angry about teachers not allowing children to eat their lunches. Hell, I’d be angry if my kids’ teachers decided to throw away their lunches too. However, I do agree with schools encouraging parents to send children to school with healthy lunches and snacks. There’s nothing wrong with schools sending home a list of healthy choices.
I’ve always been a strong advocate for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and want to pass that down to my children. So, healthy eating has always been a priority in our home. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong with having a sweet treat on occasion. But, we mainly follow a diet packed with fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
I do realize that not all parents agree with my take on the issue and that’s okay. Some feel that candies and other sweet treats are a childhood rite of passage. But, I bed to differ.
There’s nothing wrong with occasional treat like ice cream and chocolate. But, we avoid things like gummies that stick to your teeth and lead to cavities. Moreover, it seems like there’s a party at school every other day. Parents often bring in cupcakes and other sweets and serve them at 9:30 in the morning. That’s just too early! Despite the teacher sending home a note encouraging healthy food options, many parents haven’t followed her recommendation.
Plus, dealing with a kid on a sugar high is no fun. What’s worse is that other parents give me the “you’re a weird mom look” because I don’t allow my kids to consume candy and other junk food all the time. Parents have asked why my kids aren’t allowed to eat fast food.
I don’t judge them for what they feed their kids, and I expect the same in return. I don’t mind schools banning unhealthy foods. If you really think about it, schools with healthy policies have good intentions and parents should appreciate that.
And of you think physical activities are enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle, think again. Good health has a lot to do with what you put into your body as well, and it’s important to get in the habit of that early on.
How do you feel about schools banning certain food from your child’s lunch box? What would you do if teachers throw away student lunches?
