BLOG: The NIS Responds To Hate Mail: Why We Won't Be Bullied

Sticks & stones may break our bones but...preservatives, pink slime, carcinogens, high-fructose & high-sodium etc is what will kill us all if we don't act now!

I told myself I wouldn't respond to such petty, inane comments but calling someone a "nutritionnazi" is not only unacceptable, but ignorant.  Not only are you offending a world full of Jews (and those that support them,) you are setting back the clock on offensive, hurtful speech and a reminder of the most painful time for us over 60 years. (Remember the Holocaust!)

The NIS is a group of parents, some of us executives, who commit time we don't have, to dedicate ourselves to the betterment and well-being of the children of Upper Dublin. We spend valuable time pouring over research to figure out ways that we can work with the schools to improve the quality of what is being served to our children...your children, perhaps...in efforts to prevent what we know is inevitable if we don't make these changes: heart disease, obesity, diabetes.

This is how change begins. It starts with a small group of people willing to go against "the popular."  It's so much easier to sit back and do nothing. But easy doesn't mean it's right. And we know this all to well. We know change and what's worth it takes a lot of effort & time & patience. And we're willing to sacrifice because if we don't, who will?

And we on the NIS are willing to endure all the bullying and name-calling that comes with our un-paid task of pursuing this utmost important duty of doing what's best for all children: the BEST nutrition & well-being for Upper Dublin because if we don't, who will?

If there were no change in the world, we'd still be living in a world full of slavery, of segregation. But we are not, I'm assuming, in no thanks to you. We are at a place now where we know better, can do better. We now are facing a society where our kids are plagued with adult diseases such as Type-II Diabetes that onset at age 10. But we can change that.

When an ADHD child is offered a donut at yet another classroom celebration and he accepts so as not to appear an outsider, are you aware of the consequences? Because it doesn't just affect his already shaky behavior, but takes time away from his teacher, and the entire class as well.

And what about the child who was diagnosed with high cholesterol? The school knows that the menu contains highly processed food that can be further damaging, but her mother doesn't...  That might not affect you directly but that's why we're here: to make you aware that this is more than about just one child, it's all-encompassing.

You question listeria in Pre-sliced apple packs. How about instead of pointing out the negatives, focus on the positives: the entire country is aware that childhood obesity is an epidemic and is making changes. McDonald's is offering healthy options. Instead of the all-over unhealthy option of French fries, they are offering parents a healthy choice. The NIS is asking Upper Dublin to do the same. Instead of name-calling and bullying, you should be supporting these efforts.

Shame on you. Please think before you speak. You have set the standard for what should never, ever be said...in public or otherwise!  We learned it in Kindergarten and this continues to be the most valuable life-long tenet: if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.

This is about awareness, change, in a time where both are desperately needed. It's about action, and those that choose to lead with a purpose they feel strongly about. It's not about telling you what to do inside your home. It's not about name-calling. It's about making a difference. Stand up and be heard or sit down and listen quietly... But for goodness sake, please don't knock efforts of those that truly care and want to change the world for a better place.