cc1.jpgNYC Green Schools, a parent clearing house on school food and environmental issues, is holding a rally on March 18 from 4-6 p.m. at City Hall, to protest Chancellor's Regulation A-812.

The regulation sets out policy for when parents can hold bake sales and what foods can be sold by parents and students to raise money in city schools. It is an issue that continues to engage parents' attention, not only because the regulation limits fundraising opportunities, but also because what kids should eat in school and out is a hot topic these days. See ourCupcake Comeback post and the many comments it drew.

In their press release, rally organizers say that, "the regulation prohibits home-baked foods from being sold at school fundraisers, while permitting Doritos and Pop-Tarts instead! " [sic]. These foods are among the approved, pre-packaged foods that the DOE permits.<!--more-->To illustrate the point, the rally will feature two tables, one with approved DOE items and one with home-baked goods, along with a list of ingredients they used. Organizers ask parents to bring their kids and wear aprons, to "SHOW THEM WHO KNOWS FOOD!" A letter writing campaign is also planned.

NYC Green Schools launched its website on the same day that the PEP voted to approve Reg A-12. It is the brainchild of two mothers from Lower East Side schools that share a building. As members of their schools' nutrition committees they worked to improve the cafeteria fare and, for instance, banished Styrofoam trays and instituted Meatless Mondays.

Success in their own schools inspired them to share information with other city parents via a blog. Although it is run by the two: Elizabeth Puccini (Children's Workshop School Parent) and Anisa Romero (East Village Community School Parent), they have several parent "point persons" around the city to help plan the Bake-in and are looking for more.