DCSS Food Services Director Peggy Reich:

We the concerned parents, students, teachers, administrators and community members of Douglas County respectfully ask that more fresh, local, and/or organic foods be made available to Douglas County students via school lunch menus and vending machines.

Our nation and in particular our state is experiencing an epidemic of childhood obesity. To help solve this problem we as parents and concerned citizens, believe that it is imperative that our schools provide every opportunity to support the health of their students. Foods laden with preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics and other potentially dangerous chemicals are not the kinds of foods that children need in order to develop sound bodies and minds.

In 2012 the Heart and Lung Association gave Douglas County a grade of F for its high levels of ozone, thus helping to make Atlanta the 25th most polluted city in the US (by ozone). By sourcing foods from Georgia farmers, processors and manufacturers DCSS could help lead the way to cleaner air and help to reduce the incidences of childhood asthma or other ozone related illnesses. As an added benefit, sourcing foods locally would give a badly needed economic boost to our local economy, which would be a win for everyone!

As Food Services Director, we implore you to join with us and show that together we can make Douglas County schools healthier and safer for our children.

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