Union Members Leading the Way for Healthier Food in Public Schools

Obesity rates have increased sharply in the United States over the past 30 years, and today, nearly one-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. These children are developing “adult” diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer and other serious chronic conditions.

Because of this national epidemic, parents, students, and advocates for healthy food convened at the SEIU hall in Nashville for a community meeting to try and build support for healthy food choices in Metro Nashville Public Schools—something that Local 205 supports.

After some disturbing statistics on the obesity epidemic by Dr. Jennifer Ess at Meharry Medical College, activists from the grassroots organization Community Food Advocates gave their presentation. Concerned students from Maplewood and Glencliff High Schools described the less than appetizing food choices in their schools, which many believe is because of the stranglehold that food wholesalers have on the process of deciding which foods and drinks to offer in public school systems.

But it wasn’t all bad news in MNPS. Union steward Martha Lingley, who is the food service manager at Overton High, showed a photo collage of the healthy, well-prepared food that’s served daily in her cafeteria. “We are very careful about what we serve our kids and we demand fresh fruits and vegetables every day,” Martha said. The pictures of Martha’s menu made the student presenters envious and had them asking what they could do to get those healthy food choices in their school cafeteria. That was the same question that Metro Council members in attendance had as well. The answer seemed simple enough, “keep bringing it up with the school board and the officials who run the Food Service department,” Martha said.

Another thing that will help is legislation. Thanks to pressure from both SEIU and groups like Community Food Advocates, legislation to create a Food Policy Council for Nashville is moving through the Metro Council and is predicted to pass. Council members expressed their support for the Council and the need for healthier food options in our schools. “I thought this was a great meeting,” said Doretha Jones, a food service manager and SEIU member. “We want to provide healthier meals, but our hands are tied by the administration about what we serve and how we serve it. It’s great when SEIU can be seen as part of the solution, and I’m proud that my union is taking a positive role in this. Our kids deserve nothing less.”