Kid Food

September 2, 2019
Food writer Siegel, creator of the blog The Lunch Tray, indicts the food industry for not providing more nutritious meals to American children. Noting that concerns about obesity are just one tiny problem, she writes, “The majority of American children, not just those who are overweight, are eating a poor diet.” The book shines a critical light on numerous practices: advertising that relies on inciting kids’ “pester power” to undermine parents; corporate-sponsored science that portrays sugar- and fat-laden snacks as healthy; inadequate funding for school lunch programs; and the common, expectation-forming practice of giving kids tasty but unhealthy snacks multiple times daily. Siegel summarizes the science of forming food preferences in children and dispenses some advice to fellow parents on planning healthier mealtimes. But her main goal is to guide readers into practical activism aimed at persuading or pressuring food companies and schools to adopt more responsible practices, as illustrated by her successful efforts to stop McDonald’s efforts to distribute a pro-fast food documentary in public schools. Frustrated parents will find motivation and comfort in Siegel’s messages that, collectively, society can make progress in the age-old parental battle against picky eaters and create a healthier food environment for everyone.

August 1, 2019

Most parents start out with the best intentions to raise a healthy eater, states blogger Siegel (the Lunch Tray). From a lollipop at the bank to cookies at the grocery store to sweets as a way to ease the stress of a doctor's check up, temptations are everywhere. Candy at eye level in every supermarket, and fun filters featuring companies such as McDonalds and Taco Bell on tween-favorite snapchat aren't much help either. In Houston, 80 percent of public school students live close enough to the poverty line to qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch meals, thus cafeteria food isn't an option but a must for many. First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school lunch initiative encouraged the restaurant industry to offer healthful options for children. The resulting Kids Live Well designation sounded great on paper, but many companies maintain the bare minimum by offering just one alternative meal choice. VERDICT A fascinating look at the industry of children's food and a practical guide for parent's seeking to teach their children how to eat healthfully.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2019

Most parents start out with the best intentions to raise a healthy eater, states blogger Siegel (the Lunch Tray). From a lollipop at the bank to cookies at the grocery store to sweets as a way to ease the stress of a doctor's check up, temptations are everywhere. Candy at eye level in every supermarket, and fun filters featuring companies such as McDonald's and Taco Bell on tween-favorite Snapchat aren't much help either. In Houston, 80 percent of public school students live close enough to the poverty line to qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch meals; thus cafeteria food isn't an option but a must for many. First Lady Michelle Obama's healthy school lunch initiative encouraged the restaurant industry to offer healthful options for children. The resulting Kids Live Well designation sounded great on paper, but many companies maintain the bare minimum by offering just one alternative meal choice. VERDICT A fascinating look at the industry of children's food and a practical guide for parent's seeking to teach their children how to eat healthfully.-Julia M. Reffner, Richmond

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.