Leighton Meester and GoGo squeeZ make families’ food needs a priority, interview

While some kids might pick the perfect lunch box, other students might struggle to put that school lunch on the table. Recently, Leighton Meester andGoGo squeeZ partnered to raise awareness about food insecurity. Although the school year might be full of happy moments, it is important to ensure that nutritious food supplements that conversation.

Helping others does not always have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes it can be donating time to a local food bank, like what Leighton Meester did in North Carolina, or it can be buying some extra GoGo squeeZ boxes for a teacher to keep in the classroom. Taking the stigma away from food insecurity can be one step to making a difference in this nationwide problem.

Through their recent partnership, Meester and GoGo squeeZ partners to raise awareness and funds for Feeding America. With 1 in 8 kids at risk, the campaign and donation are another step to correcting this persistent issue. Hungry kids in the classroom are not conducive for them or their educators. Meaningful change needs to happen.

Recently, FoodSided spoke with Leighton Meester about her GoGo squeeZ partnership.

Cristine Struble: Back to school season can be stressful for parents and kids, do you have a few ways that help to transition back into the school year after all the summer fun?

Leighton Meester: Having a scheduled routine always helps me and my family stay on track after a summer of fun. We keep the same morning and nighttime routine with my kids each day, which has kept us all more sane. We also have it written down, so I don’t have to repeat myself over and over again, and I’ve found that my kids love ‘checking things off’ the list, which provides a sense of accomplishment. Of course, schedules change, but having a set routine that we can jump back into always helps when we’re transitioning from summer.

CS: Sometimes it can be hard to get kids to choose some better food choices. Have you found a way to engage your kids in choosing more fruit and vegetable forward snacks?

LM: Even though my kids like fruits and veggies, it can still be tough to get them to crave more nutritious food choices. I’ve found that giving them GoGo squeeZ pouches is the easiest way to give my kids a good-for-them snack that they actually love. Plus, GoGo squeeZ has more than 30 flavors to choose from, is crafted with the highest quality ingredients, and it’s way easier than cutting up fruits and vegetables every day.

CS: While the kids’ activities can fill the day, sometimes moms do not get that opportunity to schedule themselves some “me time.” How do you find a way to give yourself a break during the day?

LM: Back to school season makes it seem like every waking moment is about your kids. While this is a super exciting time for my kiddos, mom and dad are also adjusting to a new schedule. Especially as a working mom, it can be hard to find “me time,” but we have an amazing support system of family and friends that step in when we need a break. We like to switch off carpooling, play dates, and pickups/drop offs so that we can stay on schedule and catch a break wherever we can. I encourage other moms to find supportive parent friends who you can talk to (and potentially carpool with).

CS: Kids can be better focused when their stomach isn’t grumbling. Why is it important to educate people on food insecurity and how to combat it?

LM: Growing up, access to food is something that my family frequently struggled with – especially nutritious food that helped our growing minds and bodies. I understand how it feels to be food insecure, but people may not know that food insecurity affects 9 million children across the U.S. That means 1 in 8 children are at risk for hunger. Education and awareness are key to combating food insecurity, and organizations like GoGo squeeZ and Feeding America are taking the necessary measures to help families in need. I’m proud to be supporting GoGo squeeZ and Feeding America in helping ensure all kids have access to nutritious and delicious foods for lunch.

CS: As a society do you think that we are starting to move away from misconceptions about families who are food insecure? Do you think that the current crisis is something that can be improved any time soon?

LM: A lot of people don’t realize that it could be their friend or their neighbor who may not know where their next meal is coming from. Food insecurity doesn’t always look the same – but we’re starting to move away from those misconceptions as more resources are available on hunger relief. Thankfully, there are amazing organizations out there like GoGo squeeZ and Feeding America that are dedicated to helping families in need.

CS: What was your favorite after school snack? Do your kids share that same preference?

I liked apples and peanut butter if it was available but I also would eat a bowl of cereal or pop tart. I try and have fresh fruit and veggies for snacks and if we are on the go, GoGo squeeZ is a favorite.

The school year has just begun, and it is time to make a difference. Sometimes it is the little gesture than can put people on the path to success.