( CNN ) -- Students unhappy with school meals are taking it out on the first lady by sharing images on social media of lunches sarcastically tagged # ThanksMichelleObama . Some of the images depict formless , mushy blobs on a lunch tray . Others show patties on whole-grain buns accompanied by an apple where one could imagine a pile of tater tots residing in earlier times . The complaints focus on taste , texture and portion sizes under new nutrition regulations promoted by the first lady . The standards were implemented as part of Obama 's `` Let 's Move ! '' initiative to reduce childhood obesity . They took effect in 2012 with the goal of including more whole grains , vegetables and fruits in school meals while reducing fat and sodium . But students say the changes make the food unpalatable . `` I could understand how it might seem ungrateful if I got this lunch for free . But I do n't , '' 17-year-old Hunter Whitney told CNN . `` I feel like many people would be upset too if the lunch they bought looked [ like this ] . '' Backlash followed from others who said students were wrong to blame Michelle Obama for the quality of school meals . Instead , they suggested that students direct their grievances at local school districts -- or get their lunches from somewhere else . Whitney , who attends Richland Center High School in Wisconsin , said students deserve better options , especially those who ca n't leave school grounds during the day . `` Because my school has a closed campus , it 's either bring your own , buy low-quality food you do n't like , or go hungry . ''
Sarcastic tweets blame Michelle Obama for cutting school meals . Students share images of Obama with # ThanksMichelleObama . Critics say students should direct criticism at local businesses . ` ` It might be ungrateful if I got this lunch for free . But I do n't , '' Obama says .