Much agreed! I will not attend these events. I think it appalling I get a letter home stating if my child is obese but then receive a letter for mcTeacher night.

Lisa- I think you are mistaken about spearheading a fundraiser at Stacy. I have been on the board for 9 years and have never met you. Maybe you did it at MIddle School East? You have some great ideas - maybe you would consider joining the Stacy PTO? Several of us who have been on the board for many years are all graduating and we really need some new people to step up and run the PTO. We just purchased several rowing machines for the new fitness room and the kids love them! It sounds like you would enjoy contributing to that endeavor. Come to our next meeting!

The new Happy Meals feature a smaller portion of fries, and a package of apple slices w/o caramel sauce. A chicken nugget happy meal is now 410 calories. I have never bought my children a sundae at McDonalds, but I like how you threw that in there to bulk up the total calories. Although, I suppose I could take them to the Ice Cream Social for Autism tonight at MHS for that.
Honestly, everything in moderation. I don't think a school holding a fundraiser every few months at a place children love, where they will eat just as many calories as they would during dinner at home, (granted, not as balanced) is a problem. It is a social event at a restaurant. Do you serve cake at a child's birthday party? Important events are celebrated with food. Besides birthdays, think Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, etc. Should my kids stop selling girl scout cookies? Should we forgo those pasta fundraisers, or the cookie dough ones? Maybe Milford Catholic should stop holding those Casino Night fundraisers for parents- after all, what kind of message are we sending to our kids about gambling? Where do you draw the line? Let parents make their own decisions. And if it is a sucessful fundraiser that people enjoy, and benefits the school, why stop it? To "assist the community" in the "fight against obesity"? It takes more than a Happy Meal to create obesity. It takes an entire lifestyle.
And fiy- those light bulb fundraiser sheets went right in the recyce bin at our house.

I don't think it's a bad idea, though, to have some consideration of choosing alternatives for fundraisers. Everything at McDonald's has a load of sugar, including the salads. My brief experience as a teacher, in another city, included a PTO event at a local bookstore. And kids selling pies and car first aid kits, stuff like that. The point of her column, I think, is that parents and kids are getting a mixed message.

I’m all for supporting my daughters school by participating in the million fundraisers (even at a fast food restaurant) because as a parent, it’s my job to teach my kids “everything in moderation”…but to have one of the raffle prizes be “free Happy Meals for a YEAR” is a little over the top!

As an avid fundraiser in Milford, I too am concerned at how easy it is to run a Food Night Out, but not for the money aspect, although that is what we do them for, but because, this is easier then getting people to volunteer, or even just give the 5 bucks to every cause. I give of my time and money, but its always the same people who do the bulk of the work. And when opportunity arises for events to need support, or funds, many times these are the easiest way out, because the money is guaranteed! I agree with the healthier alternatives, but these events are run to get the money! If you don't want to attend, then I suggest that people get more involved, and get this 5 bucks a head campaign going, because as the kids move towards the High School, their events get more expensive!

This column makes a lot of great points. It is not one fundraiser at a fast food restaurant that is the problem. Our kids are constantly bombarded with sweets and junk food. Girl scout cookies, cupcakes for every kid's birthday, ice cream socials, brownies, muffins, donuts, Easter candy, Valentine candy, Halloween candy etc. I want my child to enjoy the occasional treat, but instead every day brings a new treat and a day without one is the anomaly.

If our school had this type of event, I would hope it would slip by her. Unlikely. If she wanted to go, we would probably eat a healthy dinner at home and then go to McDonalds for a soft-serve cone. I don't want my daughter to be afraid of food, just to make better choices.

There are plenty of healthy food alternatives at McDonald's if that is a concern. On the other hand, you could vote by not participating.

The best thing about this type of fundraiser is that the organization gets a percentage of gross proceeds from everyone who comes in, not just folks affiliated with school or other non-profit.

Order a salad and get a life.

It is difficult that our kids are bombarded with unhealthy food opportunities, but that is the reality of our times. Every family has to make their own choices. Unfortunately, food fundraisers are very easy to put on - just a few phone calls and some advertising. Other fundraisers, like Yankee Candle for instance, take hours of volunteer time. It is ironic that DQ fundraisers pay for rowing machines! The next Stacy PTO meeting is Wednesday, May 16th - come with your ideas!

It is hard when good people volunteer their time to help raise money for the teachers , schools and students (or other organizations) and then read stuff like this. The PTOs work hard to help when and where they can. Most times there are very few people there at the meetings with ideas or willing to run a project so they go with what works or what has worked in the past. Also, what is convenient for the parents/guardians of the schools. It is never an easy process and not as simple as asking for $5.00 per student.

Milformadman is right - the PTO receives a percentage of the gross profits for the night....not just from the Brookside or Stacy students. Anyone involved in the PTO would know we have tried many different restaurants around town. Wondering how much waterbottles and flower bulbs raised?!? The PTOs in ALL the schools do a wonderful job! $5 a student at Stacy (if everyone participated) wouldn't even cover the cost of the agends the students receive every year - that the PTO pays for. OR the cost of a bus to go on a field trip at Brookside - that the PTO pays for OR a cultural event at Woodland - that the PTO pays for!!

It is easy for people to make comments and judge when they are not involved!! Everyone has great ideas, but never wants to step up to help!

Everyone should stop judging people and stop trying to change everyone and except that people are different.

The PTO meeting schedules are posted on all the school websites!

I also believe having these type of fundraisers send a mixed message to our kids. It's okay to eat DQ or McDonalds's, but no cupcakes on your birthday in school or candy on halloween. It's a shame that these type of fundraisers raise the most money, that also tells me how many people are eating unhealthy out there. I believe the author is just trying to make a point. if we don't allow junk in the school why are we encouraging them to eat junk outside of school. if it's unhealthy for school it's unhealthy for life!!

Wow what an article ! IT'S A PTO FUNDRAISER. Relax. I'm not sure whats more bewildering the fact that you took the time to post this or that I actualy read it. Just so you know your not the health nanny, parents are more than capable of making educated decisions about what kids cram into their mouths. Give it a rest your silly crusade against the evil fast food menace helps no one and makes you look silly

I think it's particularly funny this fundraiser is this month which has been "healthy kids" month and the focus has been on exercise and healthy eating the entire month.

I agree that there is a conflicting message here but WOW!! Some of these comments seem pretty outlandish and "preachy". Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but if you don't agree, then don't participate. That simple!! I, for one, am a busy, working mother of two and sometimes the convenience of fast-food is nice. I do support healthy choices in my home but the occasional treat is fine. I would love to be more involved in PTO but my schedule is hectic as it is. If I'm not involved, then I am certainly not going to criticize the choices they are making. I will be attending the fundraising tonight in support of Brookside!!!

I suspect we'd all get value for the money if school taxes were simply increased. I know tax is a dirty word to everyone, but just think how much money you are wasting at these fast food joints and on other stuff you don't really need that the PTO is fundraising with. The big winners are not the students at all, but McD, DQ, Pappa Gino's, The Braided Bread Co., Yankee Candle, etc. I'd happily pay more taxes then send our town's families to these places to buy marked up products so that the school can make a tiny kickback.

The debate here is similar to the one that happened about 10 years ago, when soda companies were being told, across the country, that they had to switch out the drinks in their vending machines. Coca-cola had an entire division devoted to the country's school vending machines, and getting districts to sign the contracts for them. The question I have is whether the Milford school system has a foundation that could collect money donations for school programs, rather than having all the PTOs do that work. Is it possible, really, to write a check for the school? I don't know.

I cannot believe adults are acting in this way. What an example you are for your kids! To blast Lisa for making true statements and only wanting to help the community ...blows my mind!!! You should all be ashamed of yourself. I personally would like to see all fast food places wiped off the face of the earth!!!! If we stop supporting them then they will have no choice but to change for the better. in case you have not noticed... they have jumped on the healthy banned wagon( not my idea of health) so they see where the smart people are headed and want a piece of that market. They are taking your hard earned money and profiting fom it!!! The people who eat there on the other hand are then turning around and giving it to the insurance companies, doctors and drug companies!!! By the way the fast food chains have bought stock in the drug companies as well. I wonder why? So the easy and quick dinner is not so cheap in the end. I am a very busy working mother of 3 and i make having healthy food for my kids everday a priority!! Most of you busy people have non productive time that you could be doing the same....writing your comments is one example. Every where you turn...advocates including Michelle Obama are telling the kids to get up and move. Plus educating them to make better choices and then you choose this for a fundraiser.Do you know what McD sold when they first started??

No one here is suggesting you eat fast food every night. No one is even suggesting that the PTA does a fast food fund raiser every night. Once and awhile, eating or fundraising, is not going to hurt anyone. There are definitely a few people in this world that need to learn moderation, whether its in their eating habits or their preaching. I'm not arguing that. I'm arguing that McDonalds isn't the next antichrist. Though, I have to admit I find your little vendetta against all fast food restaurant amusing.

It looked nothing like today. We need to get back to that way. If we keep going like this we will wipe ourselves off this planet!!! Cake in the classroom... Please....no comparison. It should not even be an issue. My kids eat sweets,but the difference is it is real food sweets...not the sweets that are so chemically filled they should be illegal! II am sure you yourself or someone you know is over wieight, have an auto immune disease, high blood pressure, chloresterol, thyroid and or cancer. I could go on and on,but I will stop because i have now stooped to your level. If you could look through all the bad comments and anger you would see that Lisa was looking out for YOUR children and the community!!!! I am sure her children are taken care of. There are so many other ways to raise money!!!

Absolutely, we all deserve our own choices! I also know that we if don't want near 100% of us to have diabetes, we have got to stop making certain choices. We are making choices to feed kids food that is initiates blood sugar dysfunction and atherosclerotic plaque in 13-year-olds! Food that we know starts the inflammatory that creates insulin resistance, then metabolic syndrome, then Type II diabetes in their 20s and 30s and 40s. What kids eat at 10 actually matters a great deal! It is too easy to fall into the trap of assuming kids are "just fine" with heavily-processed, sugar-laden, trans-fat-bearing, chemical-contaminated "food". Can we really as parents justify in our hearts falling for that approach with "convenience" and "well, we need the money" as a reason? Really? Kids do what we do, not what we say to do. Fundraisers should promote role models of activities we want kids to pursue, especially when respected teachers are involved. I appreciate deeply the efforts of all dedicated individuals on committees who work hard. We need everyone involved in creative, constructive brain-storming! To reverse the scientifically-founded prediction that this generation of kids will live shorter lives than their parents, we have to be willing to hold ourselves to new standards. I thank Lisa for provoking that discussion. Indeed, it is not always easy to hear. Few of us like to examine our habits and confront the prospect of change. But our kids deserve that change.

I agree with both sides here. We eat healthy as a family but did participate in the McDonald's night because my child really wanted to see the teachers working there. I do say no to the DQ nights that seem to come around for the schools often though. But I didn't see anything wrong with a special dinner for the kids this once.

I think a bigger problem for the older kids(I saw middle school mentioned here and there) is that they are allowed to buy junk food at lunch. Yes the chips are the "healthier version" and the ice cream the "less sugar" version. Still junk. My daughter tells me that her friends throw out their lunch they bring and just buy cookies or chips. How about removing these from the school cafeterias before worrying over a once or twice a year fundraiser? I also see swarms of children get off of the buses and head right for the convenience store for soda, energy drinks and candy. Why is the school allowing these kids to leave school grounds when they came on the bus? Healthy eating habits including moderation need to be taught by the schools. I think Milford is years behind most surrounding towns in regards to these things.

How about potluck dinners with a fee? We raised a lot of moenty for our schools in Vermont that way. We also ate new and tasty foods and they were all home made. Ever hear of "home made".Certain people here have idolized McD's and paraded them as good citizens. They are people and environment polluters. They have no "Intent to give back to their community"! How really puerile of you know who.

Just about every restaurant in town offers similar opportunities for fundraising. They don't need to do it, it's just a nice way for them to support local programs. As someone who has participated in a few of these types of fundraisers, I appreciate that they are willing to do something like this.

In the last year, I believe Papa Gino's, Dairy Queen, McDonald's, and Five Guys (these are just the ones I am aware of) have all had this type of fundraiser, often on multiple occasions for different organizations.

And this is just one of many, many fundraisers these organizations have. One of the appeals of these restaurant fundraisers is that it requires relatively little effort from members of the non-profit, which is a welcome break.

Everyone goes out to eat once in awhile. This type of thing allows you to do some good at the same time.

PS Carl, you need a better thesaurus.

Some of you are not getting it. McDonald's is NOT food.
Just because they offer salads, does not mean the rest of the stuff is healthy. The salads are not that good anyways.
Have you seen the movie "Super Size Me!" I believe they have shown it at the schools.
Have you seen the websites showing their burgers and fries that are 10 years old. They look exactly as they did when you bought them, they do not rot or mold. Check some of the fries that are under your car seat.
Here are some ideas for fundraisers: cigarettes, asbestos insulation and lead paint.

A lot of comments on this one, huh? I am with the PTO and the ‘mind-your-own business’ folks on this thread.

Stop preaching ‘fast food is not food’ to me. I am perfectly capable of deciding what my kids can eat, be it for a fundraiser or because I don’t have time to cook, or just because I feel like it. If you don’t like fast food, don’t eat it. If you don’t like gasoline, ride a bike. Leave the rest of us alone.

McDonalds and DQ are chosen for fundraisers because they work. They work because people enjoy themselves when they go there. It’s pretty simple. Some of these other ideas may work too, but it would have been good to bring them to the PTO before (not after) they announced their plans.

This is kind of like the parents that complain to soccer coaches, but never volunteer to be the coach. Get involved and be helpful or keep quiet.

Please don't tell me what we can and can't eat. Adults can teach their kids without you butting in. Mary, you have your own definition of free speech and it is not free. Let people comment for crying out loud without your bias opinion.

Patch sites are monitored.

Wow-o.k.-I get it, you are perfectly capable of deciding what you and kids can eat, so can we all. I just wanted to say that this was a very informative article, very well written. My son who's 11 came home today from a field trip and he had 6 or 7 McDonald nutrition facts pamphlets in his hands. He was in shock reading it over. One of the breakfast items had 2150 mg of sodim in it. He then pointed out that vanilla shakes he and my daughter love so much had 64 grams of sugar for a small size. If a child 10 years or younger is suppossed to get less than 30 grams of sugar a day then that one small shake alone is more than double that amount and please don't tell me that that is the only sugar they are getting that day. If they ate at McDonalds then they got a lot more than the 64 grams of sugar. Take a look at one of these pamphlets and you may change your mind about holding a fundraiser at this fast food chain restaurant. I understand and applaude the teachers for working hard to raise the much needed money for the schools but I think utilizing local family owned businesses would be a much much better option. The 5$ per parent work for me but eating at McDonalds doesn't!!

Seems to me that the PTO and "mind your own business" folks are the same type of people who see no problem with their children having high cholesterol or giving their 10yr. olds shots of insulin for type II diabetes. I'd be interested in seeing how many of the people who attended this fundraiser would attend the same type of fundraiser held at say, a farmers market or local farm.

You're not getting the point of the article...It's not about anyone telling you what to do...its about teaching our children about nutrition and health and not sending them mixed messages by taking away their cookies in the caf and then asking them to go to McD's to support their school. It makes no sense and you're turning it into something it isn't. Lisa has every right to express her opinion in this forum as she has been proactive in trying to shift the focus of fundraising from unhealthy to healthy. How can you find fault in that?

Lisa is a great asset to the community. I think most of this discord here started not by her article but by the holier-than-thou commenters that go to extremes by declaring that all fastfood restaurants should be shut down and a mouthful of french fries will send every kid into cardiac arrest and every parent who allows a BigMac into the household shouldn't even raise kids. The extremism reminds me of a dietry version of the Framingham duo.

I see fastfood family issues to basically comes down to the same things about sex education, child discipline, television limits for kids, etc... let each parent decide how to educate their own kids. When it comes to other people's kids, step aside and shut up and let their parents decide whats best for them. That includes what fund raisers to support or to pass on. Like I said before, if you don't approve of a particular fundraiser, just donate a different way. Its not like the school won't have a different themed fundraiser again later. Just don't preach to people who have different ideals in life that you.

I have posted an editor's note on the story and clarified some information in the column to reflect that the fundraiser for Brookside was a PTO-approved event, with the proceeds going to a school program that encourages positive behavior in students, rather than directly to the PTO.

It seems that Fast Food brings "ou"t the worst in many of us, at both ends. Is that surprising? Gigo, garbage in, garbage out as we used to say about computers and fast food and certain other things.

By the way, a certain person has no idea of "puerile" and is totally uniformed of the term "nazi". A nazi would like institutionalized fast food as long as the institution were contolled by the corporatist state. If you want to use any term, really use a dictionary or thesaurus that you so wimply criticize others by banging it on this site instead of using it for your own edification. Would that be a learning experience!

Thank you to all who commented and for the many who emailed me. I would like to send a heartfelt apology to all PTO, teachers and committee members who offer their valuable time and amazing work for the school and town. It was never my intent to hurt feelings, “judge”, “preach”, “ridicule” or sabotage efforts. This is a HEALTH column, and whether people are eating fast food once a year or once a day; the evidence that fast food is not HEALTHY is still clear. Anyone who knows me; will vouch that my intent for offering information and volunteering my time in town HEALTH committees is to increase awareness with the hopes of decreasing illnesses which devastates so many families every day.
Nowhere in the article did I “tell people” what to eat or state these facilities “should be shut down”, but cited the known fact that MOST of the choices at fast food places are higher in fat, calories, salt and sugar than food made in your kitchen. Many people commented that “moderation is key” and I agree 100%. Most of the schools in the district had their own McTeacher, Papa Gino, 5 Guys, BK and/or DQ nights. If the families had students in different schools and wanted to support the fundraisers, this would exceed the definition of “moderation” for HEALTH standards.
cont...

It is a conflicting message to the students when teachers are educating them in school to decrease fast food to a minimum, nurses are measuring their BMI’s and then the students are receiving flyers and encouragement to go to a fast food restaurant (and with McTeacher night teachers are handing them the fast food). The column is named “The Trap of Fast Food Fundraising” because as many commented, these fundraisers make the most amount of money, it is easy and people will attend; herein lies the “Trap”- financial and HEALTH.
To answer the inquiry about the success of the flower bulb/steel water bottle fundraiser at MSE; it raised $1800. I looked at the PTO calendars on the school website and was unable to find the PTO meetings listed for all of the schools and grateful to the person who posted the next Stacy PTO meeting. I hope that when attending this meeting or other committee meetings in town, I (or anyone else who was inspired to participate - which was the objective of this article) will be welcomed.