One of the events that led to my starting The Lunch Tray was picking up a copy of Free for All: Fixing School Food in America. It’s a comprehensive analysis of all that’s wrong with today’s school food program (and some innovative ideas on how to fix it) and I found reading it to be an eye-opening, consciousness-raising experience.
Free for All was written by Janet Poppendieck, a professor of sociology at Hunter College, City University of New York, but better known here on TLT as my BSLG (beloved school lunch guru). She’s been kind enough to comment and guest blog here on occasion, and last year I even celebrated an entirely made up “Janet Poppendieck Day” on The Lunch Tray (which I’m sure embarrassed JanPop to no end.)
So I was thrilled to learn yesterday that Janet Poppendieck, as well as another Lunch Tray kid-and-food hero, First Lady Michelle Obama, have both been recognized with James Beard Leadership Awards. They and eight other food visionaries will be honored by the James Beard Foundation this October for “creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food world.”
You can read about all ten award recipients and their accomplishments here.
Go, Janet! 🙂
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Grace @eatdinner says
I recognized Janet Poppendieck’s name from the James Beard’s award list, and of course should have know you were a big fan! My DD’s public school has free lunch for all, and while it doesn’t solve all problems, it definitely has created a lot of enthuaism for improving lunch from all parents and some innovative ideas like adding a salad bar, etc. I look forward to reading more of Janet’s work.