A former Denver Public Schools lunch director told a group of journalists and school advocates Wednesday that his district likely would cut free-meal programs for poor schools if new nutrition standards take effect that require schools to serve more fruits and vegetables.
The panel discussion was sponsored by the National Potato Council, which represents potato farmers who say they will suffer under the new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines that include lowering calorie counts and increasing fruits, leafy green vegetables and whole grains. They also would limit the servings of starchy vegetables — including potatoes, lima beans, corn and peas — to one cup, once a week.
Leo Lesh, who retired from DPS this past summer, said that the district runs a robust farm-to-table program and that if the new standards take effect, it would cost the cash-strapped district more and officials may have to cut out programs that promote local vegetables and meats. He also said the 81 DPS schools that automatically offer free breakfast and free lunch may not be able to do that anymore.
“They (potatoes) are the least expensive, so it gives me more money to buy . . . local bison and other vegetables,” Lesh said at a lunch of baked potatoes and red chili. “These programs are in jeopardy if the costs increase.”
David Suppes, DPS chief operating officer, said that despite Lesh’s comments, the district was not taking a stand yet on the proposed standards.
“DPS supports efforts to improve school nutrition,” he said in a statement. “As we would with any change in federal regulations, we would need to closely evaluate its impact on our students, finances and delivery processes.”
The potato issue has pitted U.S. Sen. Mark Udall against Rep. Jared Polis, both Democrats in Colorado’s delegation.
Udall opposes the new standards and has co-sponsored a letter trying to block funding that would go to implementing the standards. Polis calls the push from potato farmers misleading because schools could still serve potatoes; they just couldn’t serve them every day.
The USDA has tried to take into account additional costs for school districts, and the Senate passed a bill last year (supported by Udall and Sen. Michael Bennet, also a Democrat) devoting $7.5 billion extra to schools to implement the more veggie-saturated diet.
Allison Sherry
Author: Mile High Mamas
John
“He also said the 81 DPS schools that automatically offer free breakfast and free lunch may not be able to do that anymore”.
This statement seems to imply free breakfast and lunch are for ALL students, and no longer limited just to the “poor students”. When did that change?
ArchieBunker
Once again we see where Obama and the democrats who want more government regulation have hurt the poor and middle class. They sad part is that as usual the liberals never even thought of the consequences of their actions.
Phil
Free breakfast and lunch are available to all students whose families fill out forms regarding their financial situation.
Candace
Yes, it costs extra money but it’s a cost worth investing in. These are our kids! At my school, most of them bring their lunches but in my case, I let my kids buy school lunch once a week. It exposes them to different things and I appreciate when it’s healthy.