by Katie Nolan ’12

Recently, Congress has agreed to allow federal school meal programs to continue serving potatoes and tomato sauce as vegetables. This resulted in many questions and complaints. Specifically, many question the government’s role in dictating what kids eat, as well as whether they are qualified to set a nutrition policy.

Concerned parents and figures of authority have a right to question whether these foods will be properly used as vegetables, rather than French fries and pizza sauce. However, these people are greatly underappreciating Congress’s efforts. They are striving to provide healthy and nutritious meals for children and should not be ridiculed and questioned for every food provided.

Furthermore, instead of focusing on prohibiting these foods from being used, I feel it would be a better use of time to focus on how they are used. For example, it is possible a potato could be served in a healthy manner, and that tomatoes may be served in salad. Congress is generally open to listen to the parents’ thoughts and concerns. Maybe instead of wasting their energy criticizing Congress, they should attempt to assist them. I think that more parents should appreciate Congress for setting up this meal program, rather than criticizing it.