The government is responding to social media criticisms of the federal school lunch program championed by Michelle Obama with its own campaign.
According to the
Washington Free Beacon, the Department of Agriculture posted a blog defending the program using an image of a full tray of seemingly healthy food held by an elementary school-age girl.
The blog post was written by
Deborah Kane, the national director of the USDA Farm to School Program.
"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the digital age we have ample opportunity to document and broadcast every moment, meeting and meal," Kane wrote in the blog, dated May 14.
"We have all seen those unappetizing photos of food served at school that quickly go viral. A lonesome whole wheat bun atop a sad fish fillet; a mysterious-looking meat mixture served next to an apple. It's natural to ask, 'Is this what they serve for lunch!?'
"No, it's really not."
Critics of the program point to
Twitter, which has seen the creation of the popular hashtag #thanksmichelleobama. Students and parents have been posting photos of what they say are either unappetizing school lunches or trays not very full of food.
Kane used the above-mentioned photo in her blog post, which includes a tray full of food: rice, a breaded fish filet, broccoli salad, an apple, corn, a roll, and a carton of chocolate milk.
"In my ideal world, the Internet would be abuzz with photos like the one above, also a school lunch featuring a fish fillet, taken at Samuel J. Green Charter School in New Orleans," Kane wrote. "Central to leading a successful life is living a healthy life, and Green fosters an atmosphere where healthy eating and nutrition education are central to the core curriculum."
With Republicans now in control of both houses of Congress, members of the GOP are
taking aim at the controversial school lunch program and preparing for a food fight.
School districts have complained about the program, which has new guidelines under the first lady's directive. Many students throw away at least some of the food they are served, while others simply bring their lunch from home — which means the school loses money by preparing meals that never get eaten.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.