Studies have shown nutrition affects school performance. Do you believe the food service program should be changed?

Jim Grabusky: I would like to look at how the food service industry works with our health curriculum. If they’re not in alignment with each other, then I think that should change.

Jeffrey Dimmig: I think the key here is we have healthy choices in our schools. We’re not going to make everyone eat healthy. Childhood obesity is an issue. At the same time it shouldn’t be mandated. Sugar options should be available as well.

William Lycett: I don’t know if I’m qualified to speak on this because all four of my kids pack their lunch primarily because one in particular would buy three lunches if he could. I think from a healthy choice perspective, it should be there. I think also from a perspective of that study - are kids getting a good breakfast, because that’s going to influence their education. And how do we respond to that problem more so than what they get for lunch, because they’re discharged shortly after lunch in a lot of cases anyhow (from school). And they’re going home to have a nice sugary snack. But by that same token I think we need to look at what’s in the cafeteria, and how it’s provided, and make sure there are choices and that they’re appropriate for the age of the child and that they can a make an appropriate choice for what they should or shouldn’t be eating.

John Quigley: Not being a nutritionist I don’t know how to answer that. I put a great deal of faith in our food service manager. It has been brought to my attention. Our administration is aware of it, we are looking into it. I try to do as many things as possible on the School Board, but I’m not equipped to handle questions of nutrition.

Corrine A. Gunkle: Well certainly I think nutrition is very important for our students. I guess I have to say I am somewhat surprised by the question. When I’ve been to the elementary schools the lunches that have been provided they seem to me to have fruits and vegetables and frankly would be a better lunch than I would have packed which is why my kids eat lunch here. Now I would say probably more in the middle school and high schools there is a lot more choices so maybe students aren’t making good choices, but I think there are plenty of choices out there that are healthy and I do know this is a focus for the food service director.

Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and grammar. Content has remained unchanged.