Kid Food: The Challenge of Feeding Children in a Highly Processed World

Food writer Siegel, creator of the blog The Lunch Tray, indicts the food industry for not providing more nutritious meals to American children. Noting that concerns about obesity are just one tiny problem, she writes, “The majority of American children, not just those who are overweight, are eating a poor diet.” The book shines a critical light on numerous practices: advertising that relies on inciting kids’ “pester power” to undermine parents; corporate-sponsored science that portrays sugar- and fat-laden snacks as healthy; inadequate funding for school lunch programs; and the common, expectation-forming practice of giving kids tasty but unhealthy snacks multiple times daily. Siegel summarizes the science of forming food preferences in children and dispenses some advice to fellow parents on planning healthier mealtimes. But her main goal is to guide readers into practical activism aimed at persuading or pressuring food companies and schools to adopt more responsible practices, as illustrated by her successful efforts to stop McDonald’s efforts to distribute a pro-fast food documentary in public schools. Frustrated parents will find motivation and comfort in Siegel’s messages that, collectively, society can make progress in the age-old parental battle against picky eaters and create a healthier food environment for everyone. (Nov.)