Enhancing Student Health: The Case for Non-GMO School Meals

Every day, over 28 million children in the U.S. rely on school lunches to fuel their learning and growth. For many, these meals are more than just supplements—they are lifelines, especially for the nearly 1 in 5 children from food-insecure households. This places an immense responsibility on schools to provide not just calories but high-quality nutrition. Yet, while schools strive to meet USDA guidelines, the increasing prevalence of genetically modified ingredients in the U.S. food supply raises concerns about the long-term health and safety of these meals. With growing evidence highlighting the potential risks of GMOs and the nutritional advantages of non-GMO foods, schools have a unique opportunity to transform student health by prioritizing clean, unaltered ingredients. Partnering with providers like World of Brio can ensure that these meals not only meet but exceed expectations, nourishing growing minds with care and purpose.

In today’s food supply, genetically modified ingredients are nearly unavoidable, appearing in a wide range of common staples, including those served in schools. Through biotechnology, plants and animals are altered to enhance crop yields or resist pests, often at the expense of natural integrity. For instance, corn engineered with bacterial genes produces its own insecticide, and according to the Economic Research Service, more than 90% of corn grown in North America is produced using such GE varieties. Despite the widespread adoption of GMOs, there is limited long-term research on their health impacts, particularly on children.

The nutritional value of food plays a pivotal role in shaping children's health, especially during their formative years. The debate over GMO versus non-GMO ingredients often centers on differences in quality and safety. Research increasingly points to the superior nutritional benefits of non-GMO foods. For example, organic and non-GMO produce frequently boasts higher levels of essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, organic crops, which are often non-GMO, contain up to 69% more antioxidants compared to their conventional counterparts. These compounds are vital for combating oxidative stress, which has been linked to chronic conditions such as obesity and heart disease—issues that can originate from poor dietary habits in childhood.

Another critical distinction between GMO and non-GMO foods lies in their exposure to potentially harmful substances. Non-GMO fruits and vegetables, particularly those grown with minimal pesticide use, generally contain far fewer pesticide residues compared to their genetically modified counterparts, which are often subject to heavy chemical treatments. These pesticides can penetrate the outer layers of fruits, such as apples, making them difficult to eliminate through simple washing. A 2017 study by Dr. Lili He found that while a 15-minute baking soda treatment can effectively clean surface residues, it cannot remove pesticides that have infiltrated the fruit's flesh. These chemicals, even when embedded deep within the mesocarp, remain undetectable to the eye or palate, posing a silent yet significant risk to consumers. This is particularly concerning for children, whose developing organs and immature detoxification systems make them more vulnerable to these harmful residues. UNICEF highlights this vulnerability, noting that repeated pesticide exposure can contribute to health risks such as cancers like leukemia and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD, as supported by research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The growing movement towards non-GMO foods demonstrates a collective desire for transparency and better health outcomes. One powerful example of this shift is Rachel Parent, a Canadian advocate who became a prominent voice in the fight for GMO labeling and non-GMO food promotion. Parent’s journey began at just 10 years old when her grandmother pointed out that her cereal might contain GMOs. At first, she brushed it off, but the thought lingered. By age 12, while researching for a school speech, Parent uncovered a surprising reality: while the European Union mandates GMO labeling, Canada and the U.S. did not. She realized that this lack of transparency deprived kids—and the public—of the right to know what’s in their food. This ignited her passion to educate others and led her to establish Kids Right to Know, an initiative championing the public’s right to understand what’s in their food.

Parent’s dedication to educating youth on food safety is a pursuit that should be shared by all schools. Health curriculums should incorporate it and administrators should partner with the healthiest options to provide students with the most nutritious options. Because while the risks associated with GMO products are of concern to many, the benefits of choosing non-GMO foods are clear and without compromise. Non-GMO foods offer a safer, better alternative for students, free from potential long-term health risks. Schools have the opportunity—and responsibility—to adopt an approach that prioritizes the well-being of their students by offering meals made with non-GMO ingredients.

In order to best approach this responsibility, it is important for decision makers to make informed choices and foster partnerships with like-minded food service companies. After all, a significant portion of the U.S. food supply contains GMOs. Estimates suggest that GMOs are present in 75% of conventional processed foods in the U.S., from canola oil to cereal. Furthermore, the majority of animals in the U.S. meat and dairy industries consume genetically engineered foods. This means that unless schools prioritize high-quality, non-GMO foods when selecting food providers, the chances of receiving organic and non-GMO options are slim.

World of Brio exemplifies the commitment of providing healthy, non-GMO meals that support the well-being of students via their operations. The woman-owned, business based in Seattle does its part to collaborate with organic farmers in Türkiye to provide non-GMO, clean-label products. Their offerings, such as 100% Durum wheat pasta and safflower oil, are free from artificial colors, refined grains, and hormone-treated meats. Tailored pricing models make premium, nutritionally rich food options accessible to schools of all sizes and budgets, reinforcing their belief that affordability should never compromise quality. Acting as the middleman between schools and farmers, World of Brio not only facilitates fair partnerships but also enhances the quality of meals served to students.

The lack of long-term research on GMOs makes it clear that traditionally non-GMO foods are the safer, more sustainable choice. Schools, regardless of income disparities, must strive to provide the best meals possible for children. World of Brio, with its non-GMO, organic offerings, is ready to partner with schools to support this mission. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to meals that nourish their bodies and minds, setting them up for success both inside and outside the classroom.