Superintendent of Schools

(address)

(date)

Dear Superintendent:

As you are undoubtedly aware, our country is in the midst of an obesity epidemic. Presently, over 60% of American adults and 20% of our children are overweight or obese. The most alarming statistic is that of the exceedingly fast rate at which our children are gaining weight. From 1980 to 2003 the obesity rate in children skyrocketed from 5% to 17%. And according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) we can expect this number to continue to climb.

Evidence is clearly pointing to the American diet and lifestyle as the main culprits behind this obesity crisis. And being overweight is just the most obvious symptom of this problem. We now know that chemicals in our modern diet also contribute to a host of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and many degenerative conditions. These chemicals also wreak havoc with our nervous systems and can cause behavioral and mental problems, especially in our children.

As a group of concerned parents we decided it was time we do something to address this problem. We formed a new organization called “MOMS-I.N.C”, which stands for moms improving nutrition for children. Our group consists of nutritionists, doctors, other health professionals and many parents interested in improving the nutritional standards of our children’s diets.

The main goals of our organization are threefold: to educate parents about healthy nutrition; to work with schools by providing guidance for improving the school lunch programs, and ultimately to lobby for governmental regulations to raise food processing standards. We advocate the use of more whole, natural foods, and recommend the elimination of what we have termed “The Fake 5”. The Fake 5 includes chemicals that are being added to our foods that are harmful to our health and promote weight gain; they are: trans fats, high fructose corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers like MSG, preservatives and dyes, and hormones and pesticides.

We are writing to you to ask you to join us in this cause. Specifically, we are looking for schools that would like to be models of change. We are currently using a program designed by a company called Natural Ovens to help schools transition to more nutritious lunches and snacks. We would like to meet with your food service department to discuss their present program and see where there is potential for improvement.

Attached you will find a few hand-outs outlining the program and the numerous benefits you can expect from providing more natural and nutritious food to your students. Someone from MOMS-I.N.C will be contacting your school lunch coordinator over the next few weeks to arrange an appointment. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at (999) 999-9999. Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter and we look forward to working with your school district.

Sincerely,

On Behalf of MOMS-I.N.C