School Food Gets a B+ And a Goal To Meet
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, August 16, 2007; Page GZ03
School lunches in Montgomery County earned a B-plus in a report released this week by a national physicians group. The grade was good enough to prompt a news release from the school system, although five of the 22 large school districts studied rated higher.
The annual report from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine analyzed the lunches served in large school districts, looking for healthful fare and evidence that children are being educated about good nutrition. Fairfax, the only other system examined in the D.C. area, rated an A-minus.
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The diagnosis for Montgomery: The county elevated its grade from a B last year by increasing side dishes of fresh fruit and low-fat vegetables, the report said. Either vegetarian (non-meat) items or vegan items (using no animal products) "are available daily," and bottled water and juice are available as well. The county even participated in a trial study to test soy-based products on kids.
"Montgomery County has been steadily improving its offerings," the report says, noting that it earned a C-plus in 2003 and a C-minus in 2004.
And that elusive A? Only if the county features vegan options "on a daily basis."
Seeking Specifics on Gangs
Montgomery County prides itself on its approach to fighting gangs. But two council members recently sent County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) a memo saying, essentially: What exactly are you doing, and how much is it costing?
"During the council's budget review, questions were raised regarding the breadth of initiatives defined as being gang- and youth violence-related, about how services would be provided and by whom, how gang prevention programs related to general programs for children and youth, and the ages that are being targeted in your initiative," council President Marilyn Praisner (D-Eastern County) and council member Mark Elrich (D-At Large) wrote in the Aug. 6 memo.
They expect a response from Leggett's administration by Sept. 25 during a council session.
"We suggest that you allow approximately one-half hour for a presentation and one-half hour for council questions and discussion," they wrote.
A Fix on the Fair
Some fun facts from the 59th annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg, which ends Saturday:
· There were 100,000 bees featured in the honeybee exhibit.
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