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Urge Congress to help schools with food choices

Your Voice

Letters to the Editor

Published: October 25, 2009

A new report just might change what ends up on your child's lunch tray. As a dietitian, I'm thrilled that the Institute of Medicine just issued an extensive report recommending that schools load lunch lines with a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.

Right now, most lunch lines are full of processed meats and cheese products — and more than 80 percent of schools serve too much high-fat food to comply with federal guidelines.

This new report could really turn the tables in cafeterias. It recommends cutting down processed meats, and it joins the American Public Health Association and the American Medical Association in calling for vegetarian school meal options.

We need to ask Congress to revise the Child Nutrition Act to help all schools make these healthy changes in their cafeterias. Sign the petition today at www.HealthySchoolLunches.org.

Kathryn Strong
Staff Dietitian
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Washington, D.C.

Incumbent endorsed for Conover mayor

I am pleased to write this letter in support of Bruce R. Eckard as mayor, City of Conover.

Bruce has been our mayor during the good years where Conover was booming and during the slow years when Conover, along with other cities in our area, has seen change.

I have known Bruce from childhood and know that his wish is for the best there is for Conover and its residents. He works hard with the City Council to make sure Conover continues to thrive and grow.

As a lifelong resident of Conover, I believe maturity and proven leadership is what we as residents deserve in our city leaders, and I believe Bruce demonstrates both.

Therefore, I support Bruce R. Eckard for mayor of Conover.

Connie D. Lingle
Conover

No excuse for many not to support charities

Unless you have lost your job or been laid off and need help yourself, what's your excuse for not donating to local nonprofits in our community? We have all been through tough times before, but America always comes back strong. You know there are folks worse off than you.

Have you counted your blessings lately? Especially during tough economic times, we all need to step up.

My business sales are down but I along with thousands of Catawba County citizens still support our local charities. What's your excuse?

Last month the Humane Society had a golf tournament and still many donated time and money.

However in spite of millions of dollars earned from the taxpayer's pockets thru the "clunker" program, only one dealer within 25 miles of Hickory gave. What's the others' excuse?

The answer is there is no excuse not to give something and help those groups helping those in need.

If everyone just donated their cost for five cigarettes, one beer, one latte, or one soft drink per month, millions could be raised in our community.

Mike Roth
Terrell

Vote for the free-thinkers in Conover

A PAC in Conover? Really? I was stunned when I received a flyer in the mail from Conover City Councilman Brown and mayoral candidate Moritz about their PAC. Do they honestly believe such a premature political alignment is what we want and/or need in Conover?

I personally want a system of checks and balances; I want constructive debate; I want tough compromise. I do not want carte blanche politics in Conover, so I am voting for free-thinkers, people who stand on their own two feet.

I am voting for Joie Fulbright and Jan Herman for Conover City Council because I respect their individualities.

Please vote early or vote on Nov. 3. If you do not vote, then you do not get to complain.

Anthony Wright
Conover