School Lunch Photo Causes Controversy Online

School officials defend their lunch program, but students say they are pathetic.

Warren County, Kentucky school officials are defending their federally-funded (Michelle Obama) school lunch program after a student's mother posted a photo of what he was given to eat online, complained about it, and set off a controversy.

Kahlil Brit, a junior at Warren East High, said his mom posted the photo online after he sent it to her.  The photo shows a plain hamburger, a carton of milk and an ice-cream scoop sized serving of mixed fruit.  She included a caption, "this is what they're feeding my 6'3" boy."
The story did not specify which social media the mother posted the photo on, but apparently it spread to the student body, district, and nationally.

Rob Clayton, the district superintendent,  defended the school program according to WBKO-TV.  After seeing the photo, he stopped by the cafeteria to check it out.

"We want their feedback, and I've been pleasantly surprised when I spoke to dozens of students today. I can't find any individual who claims that yesterday's lunch was not good," Clayton said.  "They'll let you get as much vegetables as you want."

He points out that students control what is put on their plate, and what Clayton calls "picky eaters"  might not get as much.   He said that explains the photo online.

Critics say this just reinforces the growing backlash against student lunches provided by the federally funded school lunch program - which has seen considerable influence from First Lady Michelle Obama.    From coast to coast, students have rebelled against the new healthy offerings,  dozens of school districts report wasting tons of food rejected by students, while others have complained the new low-calorie menus leave them feeling hungry.

However, not all school lunch programs are rejected by students.  Menu offerings in the Mid-Columbia are considered some of the best.   Our school districts have also not jumped on board the "bean and lentil salad" craze pushed by Ms. Obama.  Some school districts have tried, and failed miserably, when offering controversial foods such as hummus, bean paste, okra and other 'adult' foods to students.