Bethel School Lunches Going Green, Offer Gluten-Free Options

BETHEL, CT — Cafeterias in local public schools will be offering more gluten-free and vegetarian options.

The effort is being made to "address the growing population of gluten-free and vegetarian students," according to a release. Special dietary menu items will be so marked. Hamburgers and hot dogs will also be made available without buns if requested.

Students who have medical issue with gluten or any other dietary special needs are advised to contact the school nurse. With proper verification from a doctor, schools can make appropriate menu modifications for children with food allergies, the release said.

The public schools are also no longer using foam lunch trays and plastic clamshell containers. In their place are a recyclable cardboard 5-compartment tray and a cardboard boat for all meals.

The elimination of straws has already begun at Johnson, Middle School and High School. Students at these schools may request them, but are being discouraged unless there is a medical issue. The District still offers straws at Berry and Rockwell.