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Milwaukee Public Schools leaders discuss healthier lunches at meeting

Posted at 10:19 PM, Sep 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-12 23:23:16-04

Healthy, tasty food was the topic at a Milwaukee Public Schools committee meeting Tuesday. This is something students said they're not getting at school. 

"Nasty, cold, uncooked," said A. Jackson, Student Union President. 

"The food that is served on the boat is often mushy, cold when it should be hot, hot when it should be cold," said Kirstin Hackbarth, student.

The Food Justice Task Force is a group of teachers, parents, students, and community members passionate about healthier breakfast and lunch for students. 

"Kids deserve every effort to provide them with the nutrition they need to succeed," said Matt Stienstra, Hunger Task Force.

An MPS mom helped push the idea by starting a petition that now has more than 5,000 signatures.

"All those signatures came from families, staff, MPS kitchen staff, former and current teachers in the MPS schools," said Rebecca Adamietz, mom.

Now a healthy school food resolution is on the table. It was introduced to the committee by Director Paula Phillips. 

"It's very important for me to think about how we can make sure that every kid has quality nutritious meals," said Director Paula Phillips, MPS Board. 

The resolution was sponsored by Director Carol Voss. 

"It's important for us to do better for our kids," said Director Carol Voss, Board Member.

The resolution would limit processed foods and those high in sugar. It would provide more fresh fruits and veggies and improve presentation. 

MPS meals meet all state and federal guidelines. 

The committee deferred taking action on the resolution until November, after the district holds listening sessions and takes a look at the budget.