I'm a mom who's fortunate enough to have a kid who actually likes to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain pasta and other healthy foods. Each morning since my son graduated from baby food, I've been sending him off to daycare with fresh fruit. Sure it takes extra time, but I enjoy choosing which two fruits to combine for his daily "fruit cup" and feel really good about the fact that at least I know he's getting some fruit in his diet. I say this only because when I've asked my son why he doesn't eat the fruit at school he says "it's not actually fruit, mom". Well it is, but he's used to freshly cut fruit - not fruit in water, juice or syrup.

So when we received a notice from my son's pre school a week ago that the school's menu was changing (getting healthier!), I was thrilled. Today's Saratogian talks about the national Chefs Move to Schools initiative and what we're doing right here in Saratoga County to encourage new ideas and recipes, like sourcing from local farmers and producers and expanding menu options. A local daycare provider in Saratoga shared that their menu is now offering "healthier choices including yogurt, whole wheat wraps, fresh fruit and a brand new item: a turkey & rice bake". She added that the former "hamburger sliders are now chicken sliders."

I'd like to think that my son, who will be entering Kindergarten in the Fall, will make healthy choices as he navigates his new school cafeteria. There's so much about him going to Kindergarten that has me feeling like a bundle of nerves. Thankfully his school lunch is no longer one of them.