I remember processed gray meat and few fresh vegetables and fruit in my school cafeteria. My mom packed my lunch every day to spare her child from a diet deficit in essential vitamins and minerals (thanks, Mom!).

From what I read online, the situation in American schools is similar today, but some, including Whole Foods Market, are taking a stand to improve the food options our children have. An article in Newsweek says almost all agree the system needs to change, but the big debate is how.

They report Whole Foods and organic-food manufactures launched a fundraising campaign in August, which has already raised more than $440,000 to help school provide healthier meals.

Another approach besides national corporate donations is local funding. The article notes this summer, Kaiser Permanente, an Oakland, Calif.-based managed-care organization, donated $3,000 to help fund a summer lunch program for 300 students in Rancho Cordova, Calif. and in Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield donated $2,200 to a Grand Rapids charter school for a salad bar, healthy snacks, and an in-class smart eating program. They also gave $15,000 to a Traverse City, Mich., elementary school that will be preparing meals instead of serving prepared foods.

I feel any way, national or local, companies can help improve the school lunches is a good thing. This year, when you are thinking about which organizations could use your donation money, don’t overlook the school cafeteria. When kids get used to eating healthier meals, they may easily turn into the natural products shoppers of the future.