The following is a letter to the editor that was sent to the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Christopher Hendrickson, Kalamazoo

School is starting in a few short weeks and we all care deeply about making sure we do what is best for our kids to prepare. We make sure their backpacks are stocked with the best pencils and coolest notebooks but are we making sure that we pack what is best in their lunch boxes? Children's growing bodies and brains need the most nutritious foods to get the maximum value from their time in school.

Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture in conjunction with Produce for Better Health Foundation has recommended that we fill half our children's (and ours) plate with fruits and veggies. This means that every day, 50 percent or more of what we pack into our kid's lunch boxes should be colorful fruits and delicious vegetables such as pineapple, bananas, peppers, broccoli or cauliflower. Hummus makes a great dip for veggies, by the way! One can even make packing lunches fun and educational by picking fresh organic produce together from The Natural Health Center of Kalamazoo. The NHC or I are more than happy to answer any questions you or your children have about eating and staying healthy at school. You can also Google "vegan school lunches" for more creative ideas. Happy eating healthy and have a wonderful school year!

For more Kalamazoo Gazette opinion pieces and letters, visit http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/. To submit a letter to the editor, email kznews@mlive.com. Readers are also encouraged to discuss this letter in the comment section below.