Fighting the school to understand

[Stacy80]

A little background first...

My daughter, Hollyann, was diagnosed Type I on September 9, 2009 at 9 yrs old. This day was also the first day of the new school year. Even though there were 4 other kids in her school (5th-8th grades)the school administration seemed to be dumbfounded. To shorten the "story", I then spent 3 months trying to get a 504 in place. They denied that one was even needed. IN the mean time none of the staff had been trained in giving injections, nor did they have much knowledge at all about diabetes. I finally ended up contacting the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) who then did a full investigation. The school was sited for violating MANY laws, and we were finally able to get a 504 in place just after the 1st of the year (2010.)

This school year has started out on a much better note. My "fighting" last year made many changes for kids in the future.

My current battle is the school lunches. Every single day the choices include, but are not limited to...french fries, cheese stuffed bread sticks, chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, pizza, and a bunch more JUNK. They do have a salad bar (if you would call it that) which has lettuce, cheese, carrots, and cucumbers. They rarely have veggies other than peas or corn. Fruit is all canned in syrup. We are a low-income family and are eligible for FREE lunches at school.

I am looking for some advice on how I can help the school to understand. Not only for the diabetics, but the stuff they serve is not healthy for any of the kids. I have seen the kids that are eating lunches, and 75% of them are overweight.

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated!

[momofeight]

You might want to contact your school district's nutrition/lunch department and ask if they can provide lunches for children with specific diabetic restrictions.  When I worked for a local school district several students were allergic to peanuts and they were supplied with a different lunch by the district on days when anything with peanuts was included in the menu.  Good luck!

[mommyrana]

This isn't an immediate help to the situation, but there is a bill that is comming up for vote next month regarding school lunch funding. Call your congressmen/senators. Get the word out! This bill isn't perfect, but it is a step in the right direction. The article also has suggests gathering a group of parents in your district and going before the district to demand changes in the lunch menu.
 
I live in Texas and my kids school lunch choices are amazing. They still have sugar filled chocolate milk and chicken nuggets - but it's so improved and they do offer many whole grains and fruits and vegetables. I know other Texas districts are not as healthy as the district my kids attend - so it's a work in progress.... but some districts are realizing that our kids deserve quality nutrition as well as quality education. The changes can be made- and need to be made. For so many reasons. Our kids deserve better! I've also posted links to the districts lunch menu/nutrition.... perhaps can be used as a guide to go before the school board.... I wish you the best of luck! and in the meantime - i think the post above was a great idea! see what you get them to do to accomidate the special needs of a diabetic child.

Also, find out if your district has a nutritionist and who it is. I had to get in touch with the nutritionist because the listed nutrition facts were for a different serving size than the kids were being served.... odviously that was making insulin doses very difficult. She what the nutritionist can offer to help the sitaution. Again, best of luck! Email me if I can be of any other help!