Let your kids lunch organically

Summer's almost here. But that doesn't mean school's out for everyone -- think daycare programs, summer camps, educational field trips -- which means there's still reason to pack kid lunches long into June, July, and August. For all you lunch packers out there, may I suggest this: Go organic.

If you've not already gone organic for your kid lunches, let this post inspire you. And if you don't have a kid in a summer program this year, use this inspiration to plan ahead for Fall. Practice at home and you'll be set for a healthy school year ahead.

Why organic for your kiddos?

"The benefits of organics are the reduced risk of cancer and other diseases related to the consumption of chemicals from our food and water," says Chef Ann Cooper, author of Bitter Harvest: A Chef's Perspective on the Hidden Danger in the Foods We Eat and What You Can Do About It. "Most testing is not done on children who tend to consume a disproportionate amount of food as a percentage of body weight -- we must let the precautionary principle guide us."

When foods are heavy on pesticides, a child's body spends much of the day burning up toxins instead of utilizing the nutrients in the food. Reason enough to go organic, isn't it? But how can you make the transition?

Take baby steps. Buy products your child consumes most, like organic milk, juice, apples, and carrots, for example. And ask for help. Go to a local natural food store and seek guidance. And remember this: There are just as many choices with organic food as there are with conventional items. Plus, organic tastes better -- a bonus. From fruits and veggies to soups and crackers and cookies, organic is best.

Time to get to work. Try Chef Cooper's Chicken Caesar Wrap recipe for starters.