WASHINGTON — The government is responding to social media criticisms of the federal school lunch program championed by Michelle Obama with its own campaign.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, the Department of Agriculture posted a blog defending the program using an image of a full tray of seemingly healthy food held by an elementary school-age girl.
The blog post was written by Deborah Kane, the national director of the USDA Farm to School Program.
"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the digital age we have ample opportunity to document and broadcast every moment, meeting and meal," Kane wrote in the blog, dated May 14.
"We have all seen those unappetizing photos of food served at school that quickly go viral. A lonesome whole wheat bun atop a sad fish fillet; a mysterious-looking meat mixture served next to an apple. It's natural to ask, 'Is this what they serve for lunch!?'
"No, it's really not."
Critics of the program point to Twitter, which has seen the creation of the popular hashtag #thanksmichelleobama. Students and parents have been posting photos of what they say are either unappetizing school lunches or trays not very full of food.