Question –
Why do they recycle the same menu each week? Example: Every Wednesday and Friday pizza. The lunches are bland, unappetizing and unappealing. I feel sorry for the students. I would not want to eat a lunch that was sent from a central kitchen to be reheated.
Answer –
You are correct, pizza is served twice a week due to the popularity of the item. However, there is no other hot item offered more than 2 times in a month.
We currently have an elementary five-week cycle menu for the district. The goal of our Food Services department is to have a variety of choices for the children to choose from. During the five-week cycle there are 125 entrée choices that include 30 salads and 25 sandwich types that are made fresh daily. Each day there are two hot items that are either cooked in the central kitchen and immediately distributed to the schools, or items are cooked directly at the school. A few examples are: cheese ravioli, orange chicken with brown rice, beef bbq sandwich on whole grain bun, or chicken parmesan with whole grain roll. Also, every day we have a cold sandwich option that is made fresh in the central kitchen and immediately distributed to the schools. Additionally, there is a fresh salad served daily along with the nutrition station, where at least 5 different fruits or vegetables are presented.
We also offer a “World of Flavor” each month, where chefs introduce a new recipe. Every year the Food Services staff evaluate lunch options and alter some of the items that are less popular.
To get a clear picture of the dedicated work that goes in to preparing school meals, I invite you to tour the state-of-the-art Central Kitchen where more than 60,000 meals are produced every day. You may call 385-646-4321 to set up a tour.
Thanks for your question and to Food Services for their assistance in responding.