As a parent of a student at C.E. Jacobson Elementary School, the health and well-being of our children is paramount. They need nourishing food, and meaningful education about that food, to fuel their growth and learning. Introducing plant-based meals to the school food service program can offer this pinnacle nutritional education, healthier eating, along with vegetarian alternatives (plant proteins), and salad bar/cold bar daily options for lunch. 

This implementation will bring fresh, high-quality farm produce directly to students (enhance the Farm to school program), while concurrently teaching them about the food system, environment, agriculture, and nutrition. Providing plant-based alternatives, vegetables and fruits will enrich the health of our children, contribute significantly to our local food economy, and decrease our environmental footprint for the better. Offering a salad bar with more fruits and vegetables to school programs have proven successful elsewhere, with related research suggesting students participating in such initiatives improve their fruit and vegetable consumption by nearly 15% (Source: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior). This program is beneficial for students who experience food insecurity at home, who depend on the school lunches for more nutritious meals provided.

Given the rising rates of childhood obesity, which stand at 13.7 million in the US alone (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), a program like this could make a significant difference. With the addition of meat alternatives, plant- based options, and a daily salad/fruit & veggie bar promotes varied and well-rounded nutrition. 

We have the opportunity to give our children not just meals, but an education that will inform their dietary decisions for life. Imploring C.E. Jacobson Elementary to take this step is about so much more than lunch; it's about instilling healthful habits and arming our children with knowledge that can positively impact their entire lives. We implore the school board to take this into serious consideration, for the sake of our children and our communities. Please sign this petition to voice your support for healthier school lunch options at C.E. Jacobson Elementary School.