Highland Park District 112 Recommends Lunch Provider For 2026-27 School Year

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park has recommended Quest Food Management to provide school lunches for students in the 2026-27 school year.

The District 112 Board of Education’s approval of the partnership is still pending the Illinois State Board of Education’s final review and approval of the recommendation.

“Quest is thrilled to have been recommended by North Shore District 112’s RFP evaluation committee to provide dining services in the 2026-27 school year. The committee made an informed decision through its rigorous evaluation process, which is a reflection of our fresh, scratch-made meals, customized dining plans, and outstanding client service,” Quest Chief Executive Officer Nick Saccaro said.

The recommendation comes after Quest was at the center of problems involving the district last year, facing allegations of misconduct and improper communication with District 112 officials.

In text messages shared with Patch, a Quest employee offered tickets to a Chicago Cubs game to Jeremy Davis, former assistant superintendent for business services at District 112. Davis responded, "No, as I do not take tickets from vendors. But thanks for the offer."

Following an investigation, ISBE rescinded its prior approval and instructed the district to terminate its contract with Quest immediately or federal funding would be withheld. The district was given five days to provide a corrective action plan to enter into an emergency one-year contract with its former provider, OrganicLife.

Quest Marketing Director Christina Malhami addressed last year’s allegations ahead of the new school year.

"Quest strongly refutes the allegations made last year suggesting misconduct or improper influence to garner unfair consideration. Quest undertook a review of our interactions with D112, held firm to this position, and provided additional training on public contract compliance to avoid even the appearance of impropriety," Malhami told Patch.

Quest said the Illinois State Board of Education’s Nutrition Department took no further action after the company explained its position last August. The company also said ISBE included Quest on its official list of known bidders, released in January 2026.

Quest said it considers the issue resolved for now and is focused on delivering great service to schools and students.

“Quest has an unwavering commitment to integrity in our operations and supports fair and impartial RFP and contracting processes,” Malhami said. “We earn and retain contracts through our quality food service, customized dining plans, and outstanding client relationships.”

The next step in Highland Park is the state’s final review. The Board of Education’s approval of the Quest partnership cannot move forward unless ISBE signs off on the recommendation.