Changes are coming to student meals. Nutrition Services hired a new chef to prepare school meals that are more appealing to students. New items will be brought in and tested with the hopes that more students will choose school meals for their lunch. Students will be involved in the testing process by trying new foods in the kitchen in order to expand variety.
First of all, the district is excited about the changes the new chef can bring. These changes are not limited to only meal items.
“We are hoping our chef can bring some new menu ideas in and really take our menus to the next level. He is able to provide mentoring and training for Nutritional Services staff in relation to effective and proper food preparation, equipment use, and knife use. We hope to see him in the kitchens testing new foods with the kids to get the students excited about their nutrition,” Nutrition Service Coordinator Katie Evans said.
Secondly, students who are nourished will be better prepared for learning. The increased variety of lunch foods as well as healthier options will improve student engagement and performance. Students are also more likely to choose healthier school lunches when they help chose the menu.
When asked if he thinks he will see a change in student attention span in afternoon classes, math teacher Peter Hamilton said, “I think they will be so focused because they’re properly nourished and they’ll be balanced with the right amount of nutrients,” following lunch.
Evans was promoted to Nutrition Services Coordinator. This is different from her previous position. She now works mostly at Central Services in an office instead of in the kitchen.
Part of her new role will include bringing in and testing new products Evans said.
In the end, students are hoping to see an increased variety of meal options. There has not been much of a change in meals recently nor have students been asked about their preferences in the past.
“I think it’s time for a new variety of meals. I’ve been eating the same 10 meals since kindergarten,” junior Anna Kiser said.
Although pizza is a popular daily choice, students would like to see healthier options in addition to more variety. New healthier options would discourage the automatic pizza go to.
“I would like to see a healthier more variety with the meals, less bread and cheese and more meat. I would like to see a build your own bowl station or stir fry,” Kiser said.
The new chef, Brandon, is working towards providing a greater variety of meals as well as more appealing and healthy lunch options. When involved in helping chose menu items, students will be more invested in their nutrition.
Studies show that “school lunch is critical to student health and well-being,” Food Research and Action Center said.