100 percent organic food for children in schools and kindergartens

The scientific findings in recent years leave no doubt that children should receive as much organic food as possible. Conventional food, especially fruit and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides and other agro- chemicals. Although it is said that maximum levels for certain pesticides are rarely exceeded, that doesn’t mean it is safe and clear for all consumers. The trick of the agricultural industry is easy to see, just use different pesticides in the exchange and thus press the values for the individual pesticide. Moreover, recently the limits have increased for a number of highly toxic pesticides EU-wide. The Pesticide Action Network released results from new inspections, which can detect the degree of pesticides used. Celery, for example, contained 69 different pesticides. No one can predict the health effects of such pesticide cocktails except that such food is not healthy. Disorders such as hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder in children are under scientific investigation with a connection associated with elevated pesticide levels.

For only 24 cents more, one can have organics on the table

Usually the argument given to parents has been, “Organic food is too expensive”, but that is not the case. For only 24 cents more, parents can inform the schools, kindergartens, and day care centers that organic food for children and young people is indeed affordable.

AID reported that many initiatives in recent years proved that organic food is not too expensive. There is also an increasing percentage of organic components incorporated into the daily meal. That even the whole so-called, out-of-home, on organic food can be changed. It is more of a question of commitment. For example, the Munich-based initiative “Bio for Kids” just a four-year project, carried out the organic commitment very positively.

Using start-up funding from sponsor companies, a total of 28 facilities have succeeded in fully converting to organic without any problem. Everything was represented from parents having their own kitchen staff to external caterers.

The cost increases were kept to very manageable limits

The main meal cost per child was only 24 cents more, compared to conventional food. It is important that institutions become independent and no longer remain dependent on sponsors. The mystery of the small additional cost was reported in the improvement of kitchen management: Systematic shopping, less meat, the production of long-term supply plans, seasonal cooking or resorting to organic products from the region all played a crucial role.

Reasons why you should use organic food in the kitchen

The purchase of organic food supports sustainable land management and protects nature and the environment. Organic products contain less nitrate and residues of chemical plant protection products (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides) than conventional products. Fruit and vegetables from organic farming compared to conventional products have a higher nutrient density and a higher content of secondary plant substances. Animals are fed appropriately and kept – no growth and performance enhancers are used. Organic foods are carefully processed, only a few additives are allowed. Shopping for regional and seasonal products will also strengthen the regional provider, saving long-distance transportation. In addition, the value chain of organic food can be wonderfully explained; whether one has preschoolers or school children.

Are there good arguments against having organic food in schools? NO

There is nothing one can say against organic, and for only around five Euros a month, organic meals in schools are a viable investment that will ultimately be offset by better performance and healthy children.

Healthy eating can be fun – chefs show how to do it

Some top chefs are in great need to instruct children in healthy eating. Jamie Oliver has cooked time and time again in schools and provided delicious recipes that taste really great to children.

In Dortmund, the German chef, Mark Haxton, has cooked with children is a primary school. This year, eleven other organic cookery events with students in various German cities, have scheduled events with this chef. He is not the only German chef who is committed to organic farming on the website, for example, we can see other projects in which children were obviously having much fun cooking organic food and tasting too. Parents should show courage and propose that their child’s school convert to organic. Perhaps parents can even suggest other ecological projects or help make it possible to create and organic garden for the school, which brings children closer to nature.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

• Aid, 100 percent organic food for children, June 9th, 2010
• University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Sarah Yang, Release: Children susceptible to pesticides longer than expected, study finds, 22 June 2009

Our planet is suffering and it is time that we are careful with resources and the environment. With a little thought and know-how, anyone can contribute to a healthier environment and thus to a healthier life for themselves.

1. Use items over again, instead of constantly buying new products. Look around to see if the item you are considering purchasing is actually needed.
2. Surround yourself with natural durable materials, instead of polluting the environment with plastic materials.
3. Avoid unnecessary products, like room fragranced sprays, and air fresheners which pollute the environment and are often unhealthy. Instead, ventilate with fresh air which is free!
4. Switch to organic, which reduces pollution and is better for your health. Shop at local farmers markets, which cuts down on transportation of products.
5. Fill the washing machine completely, not only half way. Dry your clothes outside instead of in the dryer.
6. Turn off electrical devices when they are not in use. Pull the plug out from the wall because otherwise many devices will consume more power.
7. Avoid bottled water. Drinking plenty of water is healthy, but the transportation of this water to markets is often long. Water from plastic bottles also takes more resources and can lead to more pollution. Filter your tap water which saves money and resources.
8. Take a basket or tote bag to the market with you instead of constantly using new plastic bags which can pollute nature.
9. Avoid expensive packaged products.
10. Do a lot of walking instead of always using the car. It consumes less fuel and is better for the environment.
11. Power with “green energy.”
12. Plant a tree in the garden. It filters the air, produces tons of oxygen and binds the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

An early determination of whether a child is sensitized to inhaled allergens such as pollen, mold or dust mites, serves as an important prognostic factor. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of small children is quite difficult to perform. Scientists from Belgium found that stuffed animals have an influence on the development of allergies in children.

Testing to identify allergies

A Belgian team of scientists tried, through a study of infants aged 0 to 2 years, to determine whether the allergies of children are based on a relation to environmental influences, or based on whether one has a family history of allergies. For this purpose, 824 infants who were previously tests with skin tests, inhaled allergens, and foods in an asthma clinic, were examined by the medical profession.

Stuffed animals make for allergies

It was determined that 40% of young children could be allergic. 28% responded to the respiratory allergens such as house dust, pollen and molds. For most young children dust mite allergens were the worst.

What the scientists also discovered is astonishing

Among children who slept with stuffed animals in bed, allergies were much more pronounced than in children who took no soft animals to bed. Factors such as gender, residence in a nursery, or eczema did not matter in the development of allergy, according to the doctors.

Sacrifice not necessary

Children love their stuffed animals, and they give them security. To take them away does not make sense. To make sure a stuffed animal does not lead to allergies, one should purchase a stuffed animal free of pollutants. Some manufacturers have already attempted to make them free of chemicals and other irritating substances. As a further preventive measure, only one stuffed animal should be taken to bed. It is also important for allergy prevention, to remember to wash soft toys regularly.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Image de Erling G, Mathot M, Agustsson S, Tuerlinckx D, Jamart J, Bodart E. Early skin sensitization to aero-allergens, Clin Exp Allergy. 2008 Apr; 38 (4) :643-8.