The unfortunate reality is that we CANNOT rely on school-supplied lunches to nourish our growing children! In fact, they are doing harm to their growing bodies and brains. For millions of children, school lunches are their sole, reliable food source. When our children are consuming toxins and not consuming the proper nutrients, their brains and bodies cannot develop to function properly. Many mental, physical, and behavioral issues can be linked directly back to diet and deficiencies. In September 2022 “Moms Across America” (MAA) posted the alarming results of a study on school-supplied lunches. The study consisted of 43 school lunch samples collected by parents and students from public schools in 15 states.Of those samples tested, results revealed:95.3% contained the herbicide glyphosate, a suspected carcinogenic.74% contained at least one of 29 harmful pesticides.21% contained four veterinary drugs and hormones at high levels.100% contained heavy metals at levels up to 6,293 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) maximum levels allowed in drinking water. When you consider the fact that your child is eating lunch at school 5 days a week, that all adds up really fast. In addition, most of the school lunch samples were found to be very low in nutrients. The MAA noted:“Without proper nutrients, our children’s brains will not function properly, and their bodies will not be developed as needed. Often children with learning and behavioral issues are deficient in just one or two minerals or vitamins; when those nutrients are added to their diet, their mental, physical, and behavioral issues subside. Even violent behavior is discontinued. Our children must have proper nutrient-dense food.” Another alarming fact: More than 80% of urine samples drawn from children and adults in a US health study contained a weed-killing chemical linked to cancer, a finding scientists have called “disturbing” and “concerning”. Just because something is “legal” doesn’t mean it’s “safe.” We should not be comfortable with known carcinogens so widely spread throughout our main food sources, especially in foods marketed to children like cereals, granola bars, sweets, etc. Independent studies are just now revealing how these chemicals can accumulate over time and cause adverse health effects, and even cancer, down the road. WHY are these toxins being so heavily used in nearly all foods marketed to us, and the food our schools are feeding our growing children?!
Buy organic food whenever possible. Or prioritize purchasing organic for the most heavily sprayed crops such as berries (and many other fruits with peels that we consume), leafy greens, potatoes, and celery.
When eating conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly. Peel skins off conventional fruit and veggies.
Local is better. Look for food grown in the U.S., as some countries permit the use of pesticides and herbicides even more toxic than glyphosate. Better yet, get to know your local farmer. Your food will be fresher, last longer, and you can get to know who grows your food and how.
Cook at home as often as you can. This allows you more control over what goes on your plate and into your body. It will save you money too!
We are parents too! We know we are all busy! But making time to meal-prep weekly lunches is really be worth it. School-supplied lunches seriously need a complete overhaul. They are packed with processed ingredients, full of sugar, salt, factory-farmed animal products, GMO ingredients, inflammatory oils, and more. Nothing processed is ever perfect, and though there are better store-bought options, they are often times also more expensive. Weigh the long-term risks and benefits, and make small changes as you go. Even replacing one “bad” item with a “better” one decreases your toxic load little by little. If you have the time, you can eat well and save some money by choosing fresh, raw ingredients and prepping them yourselves. We know that is not realistic for everyone.
The purpose of these posts is to educate you all as consumers about what’s in our food and the effects it has on our health, and to provide some better store-bought options. Get used to reading labels and educate yourselves on ingredients so you can make informed choices.
Doctors and medical offices have always given me fear. Not with this place! Some of the nicest most catering people I have ever met with truly good intentions! We love this place! The kids love the atmosphere with Great Wall art to look at. We feel like family here! They take the time to explain things and do not rush us out the door. Thank you all for all the love you share with our family!
Our family loves Jessica and her whole practice. We feel well cared for, seen and heard! In this day and age of quick doctor visits and high costs of care, the care we receive here is integral to wellness.
As an overwhelmed expecting mother, I was becoming extremely defeated as I interviewed pediatricians to help me care for my son when he arrived. As a nurse, I was searching for someone collaborative, respectful, patient, and would be able to provide insight and guidance with more depth than what I could quickly access on a Google search. Jessica and the staff of Well Rooted is a God-send, exceeding my expectations every visit! Jessica is extremely present during very visits, despite whatever is happening outside the exam room door. She is incredibly kind, gentle, patient and with excellent clinical skills and judgement! She has also been immediately available to me via phone on the weekend, when I have had a concern. I just love her and the entire staff at Well Rooted so much and I couldn’t recommend them enough!
We have used Jessica for several years now. She takes time and care when seeing her patients. My husband and I will always feel like she saved our baby. Our youngest was sick and then ended up with RSV and pneumonia. It was Jessica who kept in touch with and made sure our daughter received the best care.
Jessica and her staff at Well Rooted Pediatrics are very friendly and accommodating. We were welcomed with a smile and Jessica is very knowledgeable and thorough. Awesome practice!
