The Oyster River Child Nutrition Department has focused on its students' nutritional status. We realize it has a direct influence on physical and mental development as well as their ability to relate to peers and adults, we continued to set our goals high for the 1998-99 school year. Our primary goal was to increase student meal participation while offering quality meals efficiently. The program served a total of 15,940 breakfasts and 169,546 lunches. In addition to meal sales, we received $75,499 from state and federal reimbursement plus 11% income from snack sales. Approved free and reduced applications accounted for five percent of the student body. A second goal reached was not to increase meal prices, which we fulfilled.
As we looked forward to the 21st century we aimed our sights toward technology using a computerized meal accounting system for each cafeteria, which we are able to fund completely. Thanks to the combined efforts of our technology and facilities departments we were ready to launch this new venture in September 1999. We also funded the purchase of two new snack vending machines.
Realizing breakfast is the meal most directly connected to the students' school achievement, during National Breakfast Week elementary students were invited to enjoy a "free breakfast." Unfortunately we fell way short on our goal with only two percent of the schools' populations participating. Not to be defeated we tried once again in April, only to fall short once again. I can only hope that our little ones are eating breakfast before getting on the bus.
It is with a great deal of pride that I am able to boast that we are one of the very few school food service departments in the area completely self-supporting. Income to meet our daily expenses is derived solely from daily meals and a la carte sales, in addition to per student meal reimbursements. Were it not for the daily total commitment of the food service staff, this achievement could not be obtained. Half of the food service workers are certified in the food service field and continue to attend workshops and training seminars enabling the department to be well trained and knowledgeable in the various aspects of food safety and sanitation.
When it comes to good child nutrition we must realize that parents are the ultimate gate-keepers of nutrition. What you as parents buy, how you cook it, the food you eat or refuse, all send strong messages about food to your child. The very best way to educate your child about nutrition and good health is to model good eating behavior. Food availability to our children must match the message they are hearing.
We extend to all parents and grandparents an open invitation to join their children for breakfast or lunch any school day -- you couldn't be in better company. Reservations aren't necessary, but appreciated.
The food service program continues to focus on its vision that healthy school meals and nutrition education are available to all children as an integral part of education. The best teaching fails to reach the child that's hungry!!!
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Last update on 22-Feb-00 at 10:09 PM.
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This page is edited by David K. Taylor. Please send questions or comments to editor@orol.org.