New Upper Dublin Schools Director of Food Services Aims to Bring a Collaborative Approach to Healthful Eating Habits

Ft. Washington, PA….New School District of Upper Dublin Director of Food Services Kristan Delle has been establishing an open line of communication with parents about how she can assist their children in making healthy and appropriate eating choices while they are visiting the school cafeteria this school year.

Whether she is addressing concerns about food allergies or nutritional values, Delle is a proponent of transparency and aims to take a collaborative approach in establishing healthy eating habits within the student population she serves.

While all school cafeterias are required to follow the guidelines for food allergies set forth in the Americans With Disability Act, Delle is using technology to help students, parents, and cafeteria workers ensure the safety of each child.

“Beginning in October, we will be using a new software program which will allow food service workers to get ahead of identifying potential problems before they occur. This technology will take the guess work out by highlighting allergens contained within the foods and prompting the cashier to offer a different item to the student,” she explained.

Delle also plans to attach nutritional information via hyperlink on the menus which are listed on the District’s website. This will enable parents to discuss with their children items they should and should not be choosing while in the cafeteria.

Another of Delle’s goals is to create cafeteria environments that are visually appealing for the students. “Often, apples and other fruits and vegetables are placed at a height many children cannot reach. By placing these types of items in a location more accessible to students, they will be encouraged to make healthier choices for themselves.”

Delle ensures that all foods served in the District’s cafeterias align with federal guidelines for acceptable levels of fat, sodium, etc. “All of our foods are prepared in a healthful way - we do not fry, we bake. Our pizza is made with whole grain dough. We optimize every opportunity to incorporate a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal,” she stressed. “And because nutrients don’t count until we eat them, we strive to make food delicious and appealing to all of our students.”

“There is a place for all foods within our diet. My goal is to help students and parents by communicating the importance of eating in moderation and making healthful choices on a regular basis.”

Delle is a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist who studied at LaSalle University and is currently earning her M.S. in Dietetic Administration. For parents who have dietary concerns about their child, she can be reached by emailing kdelle@udsd.org or 215-643-8820.