Conclusion

Should you be concerned for your children's health? Of course. Should the government step in to protect your children from killer hot dogs? Not at all. If you are worried about what your kids are eating at school, you can either send food with them or get together with other parents and petition your school district to change its lunch menu. Educate your children on proper nutrition, not by lecturing, but by your example. A balanced diet at home will be a more lasting influence on your children than what they eat at school. After all, there are plenty of jokes about cafeteria "mystery meat", but mom's home cooking can be legendary, and passed down through the generations. Of all the dangers your children will face in their lifetime, hot dogs should be the least of your worries.

Think you're no good at cooking? It can be easier than you think, and rewarding as well. Make it a family experience! Children love to help in the kitchen. Go to Allrecipes.com for ideas, and all recipes have nutritional information provided.

Meanwhile, have some fun at the expense of school lunch with Adam Sandler's classic Lunch Lady Land: