School district implements first organic meal plan in nation

The Sausalito Marin City School District takes the title as the only school district in the nation to serve all organic, non-GMO meals. Turning Green and Conscious Kitchen were the non-profit organizations that helped launch the organic meal program.

Friday marked the first day two schools, Bayside MLK Jr. Academy in Marin City and Willow Creek Academy in Sausalito, served all organic food to their students. Conscious Kitchen served approximately 150 students organic meals at Bayside MLK Jr. Academy, and approximately 380 students at Willow Creek Academy.⁽¹⁾

The pilot program was tested by Conscious Kitchen in 2013. Spanning the last two years, the founders of Conscious Kitchen report that disciplinary cases have decreased and attendance has increased at Bayside MLK Jr. Academy.⁽¹⁾

“Most people don’t realize that GMOs are everywhere, especially in processed foods,” said Justin Everett, a consulting chef for the Conscious Kitchen. “By embracing fresh, local, organic, non-GMO food, this program successfully disrupts the cycle of unhealthy, pre-packaged, heat and serve meals that dominate school kitchens,” he added.⁽²⁾

Turning Green plans to accompany the meal plan with nutrition courses that expose the dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The classes will teach students about how food is made, where it comes from, and how it is good for them.

GMOs wreak havoc on both the body and environment. Genetically modified crops are coated with deadly pesticides linked to a wide range of disorders, including nerve damage, birth defects and various cancers. Children are particularly susceptible to the dangers of GMOs, since their organs, immune system and nervous system are still developing.

“USDA nutritional standards do not prioritize organic and non-GMO food, and as a result, students everywhere are vulnerable to pesticide residues and unsafe environmental toxins,” Turning Green Executive Director Judi Shils said. “Not only does this program far exceed USDA nutritional standards, but it ties the health of our children to the health of our planet.”⁽¹⁾

Sources include:

(1) MercuryNews.com

(2) EcoWatch.com