School Committee Candidates Discuss School Lunches

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Nick DeSilvio is running for a second term on the committee while Barbara Skaar is running for the seat as a write-in candidate.

Another recent issue in the School Department has been the issue of school lunches. As the department works to become compliant with federal regulations for more nutritious lunches, what other changes do you think need to be made to the program to get more kids eating the lunches? As a School Committee member, what guidance would you provide on this issue for the food service workers?

DeSilvio: The school committee has recommended, and I support the request, that the administration seek out best practices of food service programs from other school districts.  I believe that we can learn a great deal from other successful programs in ways to meet or exceed nutritional requirements, while providing a variety of delicious food items for our students and staff. 

Feedback on food options is important to the success of the program, and I would support sampling and testing of potential new menu items by students and staff, to get their valuable input. Also, a food service survey of parents, students, and staff would offer greater insight into their ideas and preferences for new food choices, including vegetarian options. 

I look forward to the opportunity of working with fellow school committee members and the administration in developing a nutritious and successful food service program.

Skaar: I am concerned with any effort to expand the out-sourcing of the school lunches.  I think the existing out-sourcing of lunches in the elementary schools has proven less than satisfactory.  The number of purchased lunches is down.  Perhaps it is partially due to the economy; however the parents I have heard from say their children no longer want to eat the lunches because they are unappetizing.  They consider it a punishment to have to eat a school lunch.  Imagine that!  I can still remember my sister and I pleading with our mom to let us buy lunch on certain days.  We need to consider other ways to provide a cost-effective and nutritious school lunch.  As it is, the only way to guarantee that a child receives the “complete nutrition” touted by the program is to eat a purchased lunch every day.  No single meal contains complete nutrition, it is achieved cumulatively.

The middle school and high school programs are considered better choices by students and parents because they are prepared in the school kitchens by lunch service staff using fresh local produce and high quality protein; however portion-size has been reduced.  In addition, at all grade levels, our teachers are charged twice as much for the same portions.  

We need to re-evaluate the lunch program to see what is working and what is not.  As it stands, saving money does not solve the challenge of getting more students to buy lunch.  As the department adjusts in order to become compliant with federal regulations, including the requirement that only whole grain flour be used, I will work to support our food service personnel.  I will  seek input from parents, teachers and students and reach out to all members of our community in order to address these challenges.  Great ideas are out there, we must tap into them.  Things can be better. It’s time for a change.