Please chit chat at me about "The Lunch Lady" and "real food?"

[Zoo]

Can anyone shed some light on why there are order forms in my kids' backpacks for every freaking Wednesday for lovely healthy lunches that will cost between $4 and $7 per week, per child, but there is no explanation given as to whether this is something that everyone is expected to participate in?

Basically I've been handed a bill for $40ish/month and I'd love a little more info...

[SydandPaige'sMom]

what?? that's crazy. I can't see it being mandatory...but maybe a nice weekly alternative to those moms that don't pack quite a healthy lunch for their kids?

[Zoo]

what?? that's crazy. I can't see it being mandatory...but maybe a nice weekly alternative to those moms that don't pack quite a healthy lunch for their kids?

yeah, maybe a nice weekly alternative, but is it going to be noticeable who does and does not have the means to participate?

[Mumto2]

They had this at my kids school and you did not have to participate. I thought it was very expensive and chose not to do it.

[Becks]

yeah, maybe a nice weekly alternative, but is it going to be noticeable who does and does not have the means to participate?

not that I could ever tell
I heard kids talk about how gross the food was sometimes

[MrsSunshine]

my kids had the same thing, a hot meal day once a month (not a week) and it was like a piece of pizza, pop and cookie. for like $4 or something. not everyone was expected to take part. i always sent my kids a little treat or something instead so they didn't feel left out.
i think they had the pizza like twice in 8 years. i'd love to see a veggie/fruit day!

[Zoo]

my kids had the same thing, a hot meal day once a month (not a week) and it was like a piece of pizza, pop and cookie. for like $4 or something. not everyone was expected to take part. i always sent my kids a little treat or something instead so they didn't feel left out.
i think they had the pizza like twice in 8 years. i'd love to see a veggie/fruit day!

yeah, that's the other thing. Is this instead of or on top of hot dog/pizza lunches?

[MrsSunshine]

no just once a month we received a form, it went straight to the garbage. i just thought instead of pizza and what not, have a day of fruits and veggies and dip or something. healthy! and they wonder why come 2 these kids are hitting walls. geesh.

[Mumto2]

Our school had it once a week as well as pizza day once a month.

[Kaisa]

Our school has not so healthy pizza on Wednesday and subs on Friday.
They don't expect everyone to participate. Some months DS just doesn't feel like having them, so we skip that month.

[PancakeMom]

Well my new school hasn't sent me ANYTHING. Not even a note to say who DD's teacher was. Nadda. Her last school it was pizza day every Tuesday and then hot dog days at least once a month. Of course they also want you to buy milk. I hear ya Zoo, it seems the school nickel and dime us to death. I can't do it either and DD is already pouting.

[Spots]

Not everyone can participate in such a program. So many children have a huge variety of dietary restrictions. I wouldn't worry too much if you aren't interested.

[girlsrule]

I asked my DH who is a teacher about “The Lunch Lady“. He says it is not run by the school, but is an outside company that provides nutritious food and is allowed to sell at the schools. He teaches Grade 7 and said that from his experience at his school on average 2 kids out of a class of 30 would have a “Lunch Lady“ meal. He thinks more kids do order it in the younger grades but not close to all.

[million$momma]

The Lunch Lady is completely optional.

[Zoo]

Thanks so much, I knew I could get the info I needed here.

I guess I'll wait and see. If she comes home in tears because little Jane and Joey got chicken nuggets and she didn't, I'll have to rethink my 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on this one...