High School Students Revolt Over Revolting Food

By Rich Scinto, Patch Editor

Cafeteria cuisine so bad it has sparked a food revolution! Farmington High School students and parents are furious with the school’s lunches and are demanding action against moldy food and rotting fruit, as well as workers tossing whole meals when a student doesn’t have enough money to pay.

More than 400 residents have signed-up on a Facebook page to boycott meals served at the cafeteria next week while students and parents have voiced major concerns on the Farmington Patch Facebook page as well.

While the issue of foul food is disturbing, some struggle with getting any food at all.

“They told my daughter to throw her yogurt out because she was out of funds, my daughter who has type one diabetes,” said Amy Case Rosenfield. “Often the kids don’t realize they are out until they are out, and if they are anything like my kids, they remind me usually as we are rushing out the door. They used to be able to charge up to $10. This company is just awful.”

Chartwells runs the school cafeteria. The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Students armed with smartphones continue to post pictures that are purportedly from the cafeteria.

“Are you serious???” wrote Amir Thames along with a picture of what appears to be a moldy grinder Thursday morning.

“My FHS student has found mold in her food and has been served rotten fruit,” said Patricia Russell Donelan. “She also has witnessed staff throwing food away because of lack of funds. I heard not one complaint from my kids before this service was put in place.”

She added that it’s time to replace the company because they’ve had long enough to prove themselves.

“My son complains almost everyday about the quality of the food. Yes they do make you toss your food if you do that have enough money in the account,” said Bonita Applebum. “Luckily my son’s friend was behind him in line and gave him 50 cents so they wouldn’t throw it out. Throwing out a whole meal over 50 cents?”

Farmington Superintendent of School Kathleen Greider said in a statement that the school system is investigating the reports. The full statement can be found here.

“In turn, FHS administration and Chartwells are working closely with the group of students that expressed concern and we are investigating the issue…” Greider said in a statement regarding reports of workers throwing out food when a student doesn’t have the account balance to pay.

Chartwells Marketing and Communications Director Karen Dittrich released the following statement:

“Chartwells is dedicated to the health and wellness of the students of Farmington. We have a good relationship with students and have remained open to discussions, including regular surveys and a forum today with the concerned students,” she said. ”Since the start of our partnership, we have worked with the district to bring a team of registered dietitians, culinary professionals and skilled operators to deliver a great food program and adhere to USDA requirements.”

She added, “we continue to enhance our options, including the recent introduction of a grab-n-go salad bar, yogurt and granola bar, hand-pressed turkey burgers and a once-weekly brunch, all the while expanding the use of fresh ingredients. As an example, we have sourced over $85,000 of produce from local farms. We are committed to open and productive dialogue, and will continue to work with the Farmington school community to ensure the best quality meal program.”

“The Farmington school district works closely with Chartwells to provide healthy, nutritious and appealing meals to students that meet national dietary guidelines. These guidelines changed the year that Chartwells joined the Farmington school district. Even with these changes, we are currently experiencing very favorable participation levels in our lunch program, especially at the high school level,” Greider said.

Image from Boycott Chartwells Facebook page posted by Isaac Baker, who said its from last year at the cafeteria.

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