Michelle Obama, who has spent much of the last six years trying to overhaul school lunches (with disastrous consequences), has met one of her fiercest critics yet: second grader Trip Klibert of LaPlace, Louisiana.
His letter is below:
Dear Mrs. Obama,
Thank you for trying to make my school lunch better, but you have ruined Taco Tuesday. Please bring back the old taco shell. I miss them. Also, the pizza is terrible. If you would like to try the new tacos, I will buy you lunch.
Thank you,
Trip Klibert
Mrs. Obama responded with an autographed picture of the Obama family, and a letter explaining to him the virtues of healthy eating–which Trip’s mom, Katie Klibert, says was “a great learning experience.”
The “Let’s Move!” initiative, which was started in 2010 by Mrs. Obama, has been tremendously controversial. Proponents of small government have also asserted that the new “Let’s Move!” Meal requirements have overstepped a school’s role–putting them in charge of dietary decisions that are better left to parents.
But what’s more, students simply don’t like the new healthy lunch choices. Many have complained about taste and quality, but especially portion size, as school districts have cut the amount of food to meet stringent calorie requirements, which is cheaper than using healthier ingredients.
Already, many school districts have opted out of the new standards, arguing that with higher costs and fewer students buying lunch, the new rules simply don’t work.
As our school meals continue to decline and leave students hungry, Mrs. Obama should remember to listen to her critics–even young ones, like Trip Klibert.
