Cafeteria Corner
IRENE KEENER

Our number one job is to feed kids. The dilemma of providing good nutrition, while giving kids something they like and are willing to eat, is a deceptively complex business. We are mandated by the state to offer meals that are low in fat and saturated fat. We are committed to this goal.

While we serve pizza, chicken nuggets, corn dogs and other kid friendly foods, we have salad bars at all our schools offering fresh fruits and vegetables. The “kid foods” are in fact a healthier version, using low fat cheese, chicken and turkey. They are baked rather than fried. Non-fat and low-fat salad dressings, low-fat gravies and mayonnaise, to name a few, as well as whole wheat breads, rolls and buns are all part of our pledge to serve your kids and ours’ healthier lunches.

We are also vigilant about food safety in all of our cafeterias. Our local Department of Environmental Health has inspected all of our kitchens and given us outstanding marks across the board. We have a copy of that inspection in each one of our facilities if you would like to look at it.
Having said that, I would like to share a story. While we were having our inspection a kindergarten child noticed the inspector sticking a thermometer into the pizza being served that day to our children for lunch. His eyes got huge and he said, “Oh no is the pizza sick, does it have a fever?”

Please feel free to call and come by to visit any one of our kitchens. Here is a website to check for information www.actionforhealthykids.org. This website provides materials and resources designed to help school communities work together to improve nutrition for children. Every child is entitled to receive a nutritious and low-cost breakfast and lunch at school. All of our cafeteria ladies are dedicated to achieving this goal.

School News Home