'So Much Better': Lyons Township High Meals More Popular

LA GRANGE, IL – Participation in Lyons Township High School's lunch program was described as "quite low" a year ago.

That has turned around, says the school's new food service company.

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In May 2025, the school board chose Lombard-based Quest Food Management Services as the new cafeteria service.

The firm replaced Sodexo, which had served the school since the 1990s.

During the board meeting, Nick Saccaro, Quest's CEO, said only a third of the local high school's students who qualified for free lunches took part in the lunch program.

Overall, about 35 to 40 percent of students did so, he said.

"Your per capita is quite low, and that, from my perspective, is not a good thing," Sacarro said.

He said he hadn't seen a number that low for a school not in the National School Lunch Program for a long time.

"We see that there is a tremendous opportunity to grow that number," Sacarro said.

Last month, Patch contacted the school to see whether participation had increased. The school referred questions to the company itself.

Quest released a statement last week in which it said its impact is evident in the numbers.

Over the previous year, the company said, the school saw a 19 percent average increase in daily student participation.

The school experienced a 52 percent increase in total sales and a 59 percent increase in per-student food spending over the previous year, Quest said.

This came without any meal pricing changes and minimal a la carte pricing adjustments, according to the company.

In a sample survey of students, 56 percent said the program is "so much better" or "definitely a step up" from the previous year, the company said.

Two-thirds of students rated the overall program as very good or excellent, Quest said. And 97 percent gave the same ratings to staff friendliness.

According to Quest's statement, the company introduced diverse concept stations, including Bread & Bowl (artisan sandwiches and soups), Hearth (comfort foods), Crust (pizza and pasta), Picante (authentic Mexican), Hemispheres (rotating global cuisine), Grill (burgers and vegetarian options), and Dash (grab-and-go convenience).

Quest also said it launched ongoing student food committees at both campuses to ensure menus reflect student feedback.

Additionally, the firm opened a café in the new South Campus cafeteria, with expanded before- and after-school service to support students between classes and activities.

The program is led by Tara Canty, a 40-year industry veteran recognized as Quest's Rookie of the Year in 2024.

“Our team at Lyons Township exemplifies what makes Quest different, with experienced leaders who bring both culinary excellence and a deep commitment to relationships,” Quest's CEO, Saccaro, said in the statement.

The new cafeteria company for Lyon Township High School said it has introduced diverse food options. (Courtesy of Quest Food Management Services)