I’d like to take a break from recipes today to tell you about a very  important campaign started by our friends at Slow Food USA. Other than an occasional mention in the Weekly Digest, I haven’t often promoted products or initiatives other than personal finds. More and more, though, I’m contacted by PR folks (hi, guys!) who ask me to spread the word about this or that. While I’m still figuring out how I want to handle such requests, this one is too important to ignore while I find my way.

See, in the next few months, we have an opportunity to ensure that our children get the school lunch they deserve: real food that’s healthy, nourishing and freshly cooked. In the beginning of 2010, Congress is planning to update school meal programs and we need to send a message loud and clear that we demand change.

The Time for Lunch campaign is working to collect 50,000 signatures and get thousands of letters—especially letters from kids—sent in to Congress by the beginning of 2010. You can help. Start by visiting their site to sign the petition. While there, you’ll also find a full explanation of their policy platform, talking points, tips for how to work with schools and farmers, and tips for writing letters and helping kids write letters. They make it super easy to TAKE ACTION, so do it. Today! And spread the word.

If you need more motivation, check out these compelling talking points and remember: no nation is healthier than it’s children.

• Right now, Congress leaves school meal programs with only $1 per child. This is simply not enough to keep kids healthy! Our kids need more.
• Think we don’t have it to spend? Look at it this way: obesity and diabetes cost our nation over $260 BILLION per year. We can pay a little over a $1 a day for real food now or $32 a day for diabetes treatment later.
• The USDA is only allowed to set standards for the lunch line, not for the junk food sold in vending machines. Help ensure that they have the authority to set strong nutritional standards for ALL of the food sold in schools.
• Help ensure that our schools have the resources to link up with local farms and other local food resources that can keep processed foods out of the lunch room and help teach children about healthy eating and the environment and.