I was shocked when I went into White Bluffs Elementary School in Richland and saw what the children were given for breakfast. Are they serious about thinking Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruit Loops and Cocoa Puffs meet the National School Lunch Program standards? How is district helping the weight issues of low-income children by giving them high sugar/high sodium diets?

If our children are our future leaders, and the first five years of nutrition are the most important for their health as adults, shouldn't we feed them something like Kashi? Or something with out refined sugars and additives? I'm sure the teachers would appreciate not having the children all jacked up on refined sugar and artificial colors.

You could not offer the canned pears and put that money into better choices. You could offer smaller bags of milk. (Have they been checked for bisphenol A?)

On a higher note, I did see that the school is giving whole grain breads and pizza crust choices. I do know how picky kids are since I have raised five. I know school officials are trying, and considering their budget, they don't have a ton of options. I am just concerned about the children's health.

JULIE HARVEY, Richland