5 things: ‘Pink slime’ lawsuit goes to trial

Each Friday I compile a list that highlights five things you probably missed in the news that week and why you should care about them.

Here’s your list for the week of June 5:

1. “Pink slime” lawsuit goes to trial

In 2012, the country was introduced to “pink slime”—finely textured lean beef added to beef products to make it leaner—in an ABC news report based on one producer, Beef Products Inc. The company sued ABC saying the “disinformation campaign” caused a 75 percent decline in demand for the company’s products as several large fast food companies stopped purchasing from Beef Products Inc., and there was a large uproar regarding the use of finely textured lean beef in school meals. That all led to the closing of plants and the layoffs of 700 people. The lawsuit is now going to trial.

Read more: 'Pink slime' trial: ABC reports nearly ended business, meat producer's attorney says

2.  NY considers “lunch shaming” bill

In this week’s tales of lunch “shaming,” a bill was introduced in the New York state legislature that would ban so-called shaming. One of the sponsors, Sen. Liz Krueger, said she introduced the bill due to the lack of a statewide policy regarding unpaid meal balances. One of the positive things that has come out of this talk in New York is that Krueger said one of the ways to end so-called shaming is to implement universal free meals.

Read more: No more lunch shaming: NY considers ban on punishing kids without cafeteria money

3. Moving students beyond ranch

If you want kids to eat their veggies, give them a dip, and if that dip is ranch, even better. But Detroit Public Schools concocted a fruit-based salad dressing that kids loved. And as a consequence, the students are eating more fruits and veggies, which in turn leads to less waste.

Read more: Detroit Schools Celebrate Fresh Local Foods with Life after Ranch (Dressing)

4. The importance of school meals
With all the negative press out there lately about school meals (see item No. 2 regarding lunch “shaming) it’s refreshing to see a positive story about the important role that school meals play in kids’ lives. Be warned: There is a mention of “shaming” in this article too, but the article focuses on the great things school meals do for students.

Read more: Feeding Young Minds: The Importance of School Lunches

5.  Text messages find free meals
It’s summer, which means many students lose access to school meals. But a program from No Kid Hungry allows people to text their zip code to “food” and receive the nearby locations where they can access free summer meals.

Read more: One text message could tell you where a free meal is

Bonus: University of California reaches sustainable food goal early; looks at next steps

Contact Becky Schilling at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @bschilling_FM