Kudos for school's birthday cake ban

I applaud the District 25 school board's decision to eliminate birthday cake items from classroom celebrations.

I like the idea of celebrating a child's birthday or teaching a concept without the reward of food.

Reducing or eliminating highly processed foods from our school menu offerings is a must. If the school board wants to take a serious stand on healthy food choices, how about helping the district staff educate our children on the importance of choosing whole or minimally processed foods?

We have an opportunity to teach our children the importance of eating well.

We can accomplish this by purchasing locally grown produce from our farmers market or getting involved in a community-sustained agriculture program by signing up for organically grown local produce that is delivered to Arlington Heights.

When the dirt is still on the vegetables that arrive, you really see and feel how fresh these items are. This may open up dialogue on how and where real food is made.

Why do we want to feed our children high-fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, fruits and vegetables that are laden with pesticides and dairy and meat products that contain hormones or antibiotics? Because it's cheaper or more convenient?

These substances sit quietly in the ingredient lists on food packaging but can cause harm if not eaten in moderation.

I realize organic foods are higher in price but we can make small and easy changes on our trips to the grocery store.

As our children grow more independent, they will have to make their own food choices without our guidance.

What a concept it would be, for kids to take with them a solid foundation on the importance of eating well.

Jennifer Schmidt

Arlington Heights