My earlier post on school lunches got a lot of love here, so I thought I’d keep you all up to date and answer a few reader questions.

Yes, there is that much waste, and yes pizza and corndogs are for breakfast. And no, as far as I know, the schools don’t, or can’t, recycle the plastic and paper used.

The good news is that last week U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) introduced The Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act. The proposed legislation is slated to improve the quality of meals being offered at schools, increase funding for educating children on nutrition, put safety guidelines in place for schools and establish standards for all foods sold in schools.

And, for once, the bill is factual, informative and well written, so read – it if not other reasons – for that unique experience. Oh, and improve the quality of the meals themselves. The six core areas addressed are:

1. Improve access to school meal programs
2. Improve access to out of school meal programs
3. Help schools and child care improve the quality of meals
4. Encourage public partnerships in communities
5. Improve safety requirements for school meal programs
6. Streamline program adminstration and support program integrity.

Moms and Dads, you have more of a voice than you think. Ask your kids what they’re eating, and if you don’t like it, start asking questions. If you don’t like the answers, take it to the principal, then the superintendent, then the school board.

Find other unhappy parents and band together. These schools are funded by your tax dollars. Get involved and don’t be intimidated. If you work together, it isn’t too much to swallow. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

By Sharon Linde, Education Blogger for SmartParenting