Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program and Bishop Noll–or any school cafeteria–are not getting along. Whole wheat and whole grain surround every corner of our cafeteria. Healthy but edible, we need healthy food that tastes good.

  “Let’s Move” is a program initiated by the First Lady, in order to reduce childhood obesity and prevent health problems, due to an unhealthy diet. Statistics say 40 percent of children, of African American and Hispanic ethnicity are overweight. Home cooked meals have gone down and snack proportions are still rising.This program has five main focuses: Creating a healthy start for children; empowering parents and caregivers providing healthy food in schools; improving access to healthy, affordable foods; and increasing physical activity.

  I think personally that it’s ambitious and a nice goal to pursue. Forcing it on us students isn’t the right way to go about it, though. The food at lunch does not smell appealing at all. Half of the things available are whole wheat and whole grain. Some foods just don’t taste good healthy. Our cookies, pasta, rice, and snacks are all whole grain. I think if we are going to have this program, students should be able to choose if they want the healthier lunch–not just the two choices of either eating the healthy lunch or bringing a lunch. Schools usually have two lines at lunch: one could be healthy for those receiving federal funding for free or reduced lunch and the other could just be normal food for students who pay full price. Our vending machines should have an even mix of snacks and candy.

  Due to this program, schools must reconstruct certain food-related fundraisers, like bake sales. Bake sales and Pi Day at Noll were used to raise money to benefit local charities; however, because of the federal requirements, all food sales must be moved out of the cafeteria and must be taken place at least 30 minutes after school hours. This begs the question: will these charities still be as successful if they take place after school hours? Will students even stick around for them? While the program may be beneficial in getting sugary or unhealthy treats away from students, it not only hinders the free choice of older students who already know the risks of these foods but also the groups that may use them to make a sale for charity.

 And are all homemade treats really that bad? Of course not. A rice krispie treat serving, a favorite at bake sales, has only 140 calories and 3 grams of fat. Maybe if schools and clubs were only encouraged, not forced, to produce healthier snacks, we’d be more likely to cut back on cream cheese frosting-laden cupcakes but still bring something tasty and homemade.

  Compromise is possible, but other schools would disagree. Some public schools have already begun rebelling and criticizing this new program. They post tweets of paltry school lunches hashtagging, “thanks Michelle Obama.” They have also become envious of the First lady’s two daughters and their delicious lunches.” The First Lady’s daughters attend a private school, which is exempt from the federal guidelines. We are a private school too, so why do we? Shouldn’t we be exempt from the “Let’s Move” requirements? However, because we use federal funding for free or reduced lunches, we need to abide by the government’s rules.

  The best way to overcome this new lunch program is to appeal to the government leaders. The least we can do is try to form a common solution. I think everyone is willing to accept a program that is not being forced on us.