Nutrition standards for school lunches are almost as controversial as the Common Core. Conservatives shun federal overreach; liberals resist high-stakes standards. Add to that the new opt-out craze and we’ve got ourselves one hell of a food fight.
This head cheese of interests has, however, produced one thing of value: the Food Network’s new game show, Top Lunch Lady (or Lad). Fast-paced, easily digestible episodes feature the nation’s most culinarily clever cafeteria chefs as they submit to a series of grueling gauntlets. Be it creating “next-generation” allergy-free peanuts, identifying the curious components of “mystery meatloaf,” or recreating the school lunches of yesteryear using only kale, quinoa, chia seeds, and vegan cheese, the competition is tighter than a new hair net.
The last contestant standing will receive a week’s worth of personalized aprons, a new set of designer ladles, and a year-long waiver from the Ag Department’s new rules. Expert judges include Joey Chestnut, Richard Simmons, that lunch lady from Billy Madison with the sloppy joes, and—the hardest judge of all—third grader Mackenzie Willard.
No matter how you cut it, “T-Triple-L” takes food lovers on a tasty adventure down memory lane. Mark my words: The show will be the hottest thing since 1946’s School Lunch Act. #ThanksMichelleObama!
