Real Foodology Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Ending Processed School Meals: The Real Food Movement in Public Schools
Host: Courtney Swan
Guest: Nora Latour, CEO of Eat Real Certified
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Produced By: Wellness Loud

Introduction to the Real Food Movement in Schools

In this compelling episode of the Real Foodology podcast, host Courtney Swan engages in an insightful discussion with Nora Latour, CEO of Eat Real Certified. The conversation centers on the critical issue of processed food in public school meals and the transformative efforts by Eat Real Certified to overhaul the food system in schools across America.

The Problem with Current School Meals

Courtney opens the discussion by highlighting a staggering fact: public schools are the largest restaurant chain in the United States, serving millions of meals daily. She points out that many of these meals consist of ultra-processed foods, including items from fast-food chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway.

Notable Quote:

[00:14] Courtney Swan: "Public schools are the largest restaurant chain in America... many of these kiddos are just getting ultra-processed foods all day in their school lunches."

Nora elaborates on the severity of the issue, citing that 67% of calories consumed by children come from ultra-processed sources. This has led to a rise in preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among children.

Notable Quote:

[06:31] Nora Latour: "Today, 67% of kids' calories are ultra-processed calories... kids are eating way more ultra-processed food than real food."

Eat Real Certified's Mission and Impact

Nora shares the mission of Eat Real Certified, emphasizing that every child deserves access to healthy and delicious food on a livable planet. Founded by leading doctors concerned about the health decline in children, Eat Real Certified focuses on connecting school systems with local farmers to provide whole, nutritious foods.

Notable Quote:

[05:38] Nora Latour: "Every child deserves a healthy, delicious future on a livable planet... we help schools overhaul the food system quickly."

Eat Real Certified began its efforts five years ago, starting with 50,000 children and rapidly expanding to serve half a million kids. By the end of the year, their goal is to reach one million children across 20 states.

Benefits Observed from Revamped School Meals

The shift to real food in schools has yielded remarkable benefits:

1. Health Improvements: Significant reductions in sugar consumption (up to 34 pounds per student per year) and the elimination of toxic ingredients.
2. Academic Performance: Enhanced focus and better academic scores among students due to improved nutrition.
3. Behavioral Changes: Teachers report fewer behavioral issues and better classroom management as children are more focused and less hyperactive.
4. Economic Advantages: Schools have transitioned from being financially "in the red" to "in the black," experiencing increased participation and revenue.

Notable Quote:

[09:40] Courtney Swan: "I get messages from teachers noticing more behavioral issues... they're seeing a direct link to poor nutrition."

Nora shares a powerful anecdote about a school food service director who removed 34 pounds of sugar per student annually, leading to healthier and happier students without increasing costs.

Notable Quote:

[44:14] Nora Latour: "He removed 34 pounds of sugar per student per year... and it was a cost-neutral change because participation increased."

How Schools Can Get Involved

Eat Real Certified offers a turnkey solution for schools to transition to real food. Schools can either reach out directly, be approached by Eat Real Certified, or have parents advocate on their behalf. The process includes:

1. Assessment: Conducting a thorough evaluation of the current food system.
2. Certification: Schools receive certifications (Green, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on their adherence to real food standards.
3. Support: Continuous support through playbooks, data analysis, and connections to local suppliers.

Notable Quote:

[24:03] Nora Latour: "We help schools with assessments, certifications, and provide the playbook and support to make school food the best restaurant in town."

Parents play a crucial role by reaching out to school administrators with template emails provided by Eat Real Certified, facilitating swift adoption of healthier meal options.

Policy and Advocacy Efforts: AB 1264

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to advocacy efforts surrounding California's AB 1264, a groundbreaking bill aimed at setting the highest standards for school meals to eliminate the worst forms of ultra-processed foods. This legislation has garnered bipartisan support and is poised to make a substantial impact on the quality of school meals.

Notable Quote:

[63:03] Courtney Swan: "AB 1264 is the highest standard ever introduced to protect kids from the worst forms of ultra-processed foods in schools."

Nora urges listeners to support the bill through various means such as signing petitions, sending letters to lawmakers, and participating in lobby days. The success of AB 1264 in California could serve as a model for other states, potentially leading to a nationwide movement towards healthier school meals.

Notable Quote:

[65:14] Courtney Swan: "There are ways to support through letters and petitions, even if you're outside California."

Success Stories and Transformations

Nora shares inspiring stories of schools that have successfully transitioned to real food:

• Morgan Hill Unified: Successfully removed 34 pounds of sugar per student annually, sourced from over 11 local farms, and introduced delicious menu items like cauliflower tikki masala.

• Coupeville Unified: Collaborating with local food hubs to source from 70 organic farms, offering diverse and nutrient-rich options such as sunchokes and pickled jalapeños, which have been well-received by students.

These transformations demonstrate that upgrading school meals is not only feasible but also highly beneficial for students' health and academic performance.

Notable Quote:

[46:16] Nora Latour: "The kids are loving it... it's so delicious that parents are requesting to buy school lunches for home."

Engaging the Community and Future Plans

Both Courtney and Nora emphasize the importance of community involvement in driving the real food movement in schools. By fostering relationships between parents, teachers, and local farmers, Eat Real Certified creates a sustainable and supportive environment for healthier school meals.

Notable Quote:

[26:52] Nora Latour: "Our program encourages other school districts to join, making school food a community-driven initiative."

Looking ahead, Eat Real Certified plans to expand its reach, engage more states, and potentially extend its efforts to colleges and other institutions. The overarching goal is to ensure that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to nutritious and delicious meals that support their growth and learning.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with a heartfelt call to action, urging listeners to support policy changes, advocate for healthier school meals, and participate in the real food movement. Nora invites listeners to visit EatRealCertified.org to learn more, sign up for newsletters, and find resources to help their schools transition to real food.

Notable Quote:

[67:22] Nora Latour: "They can donate... Every dollar means so much to us and really helps us reach as many schools as possible."

Courtney echoes the importance of collective effort, expressing deep gratitude for Nora's leadership and the impactful work of Eat Real Certified in fostering a healthier future for America's children.

Key Takeaways

• Public Schools as a Leverage Point: With their vast reach, public schools present an unparalleled opportunity to improve children's nutrition on a national scale.

• Health and Academic Benefits: Transitioning to real food enhances student health, reduces behavioral issues, and boosts academic performance.

• Economic Viability: Implementing real food standards can be cost-neutral or even profitable for schools by increasing participation and reducing waste.

• Community and Policy Support: Success relies on community involvement, supportive policies like AB 1264, and ongoing advocacy to sustain and expand the movement.

How to Get Involved

• For Parents: Visit EatRealCertified.org to access resources, sign up for newsletters, and find template emails to advocate for healthier school meals.

• Support Legislation: Advocate for policies like AB 1264 by signing petitions, sending letters to lawmakers, and participating in advocacy events.

• Donate: Contribute to Eat Real Certified to support their mission of transforming school food systems across the nation.

By championing the cause of real food in schools, both Courtney Swan and Nora Latour illuminate a path toward a healthier, more vibrant future for children nationwide. This episode underscores the profound impact that nutritious, delicious meals can have on the lives and futures of young students.