Moms group to discuss organic, local food in schools

A group of moms from the Northwest suburbs are trying to get healthier, organic and locally-grown food into school cafeterias and they’ll be spreading the word with a panel discussion on Wednesday night.

The Northwest Suburbs of Chicago Holistic Moms Network will be hosting a panel discussion about food policies in suburban schools at 6:30 p.m. at the Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 E. Central Road in Arlington Heights.

Panelists will include Greg Christian, founder of the Organic School Project & CEO at Beyond Green: Sustainable Food Partners, and Lou Berkman, senior consultant for the division of nutrition and wellness with the Illinois State Board of Education, said Sarah Galla, head of the local holistic moms group. Galla, who lives in Arlington Heights, relaunched the Northwest suburban chapter in April. It now has about 20 members. She said food service directors from local schools are planning to come to watch the panel discussion and that the public is invited to the free event. People can get more information about the group or the event by contacting Galla at nwscholisticmoms@gmail.com. “I’m hoping for more awareness,” Galla said. “Sometimes when we go back to basics it can be cheaper and healthier.”