Eating better: Children's health issues should be taken seriously

There is too much interference from government in the day-to-day conduct of people's lives.

But there is a problem that should be addressed and soon -- the right way.

School lunches should be healthier. Children should be encouraged to make better choices and to learn something about how good food gives them more energy and makes them stronger.

But the problem is, the program put forward by first lady Michelle Obama, while good-intentioned, is ending up sending all sorts of food to the trash cans -- and not cheap food either.

And then there is the interference in lunches that children bring from home in some misguided schools across the country. That doesn't work either.

We have to come up with a balance -- foods children like that are good for them.

We have to make sure the portions work and that there is some flexibility in how those meals are prepared and served.

We have to come up with a solution that works -- not just a solution.

Children's health should be one of the most important items on our agenda, along with their education.

Society benefits when priorities are in the right place and programs work.

We know the problem. All we have to do is find a solution that really works.

Published in Editorials on May 9, 2014 11:18 AM