One of my adult fitness class students was telling a story the other day. Seems her young grandchild attends a nearby elementary school. The child was telling her mother how she likes to go to school early, so she can be on time. Not simply to get there on time of course, but because anyone who gets there early is served Lucky Charms for breakfast.

Now this mother never, EVER let her child eat Lucky Charms cereal, or any other sugar loaded, non-nutrient based selection. But now, thanks to the school, her child is asking for Lucky Charms at home!

Did this slip by the school staff as a harmless motivator (Similar to my earlier post called Smarties Make You Smart). Are they convinced that Lucky Charms somehow has “whole grain” goodness and is a perfectly good breakfast selection? Or is it one single teacher who is not cognizant of the national crisis going on here with eating habits and obesity? When is the educational system going to realize that these little actions are what teach our children just as much as policies and curriculum. I don’t get it.

What do you think about this story? Do you have a similar one to share? I’m sure it’s not an isolated case. And, I should mention that this school district has a terrific nutritional program – stellar. They’re commended all the time for their nutrition education. If this is one of the better schools in regards to nutrition resources, what are the mediocre ones doing?