Press Release from Escambia County Public School District:
The District’s Food Services Department will unveil new menu items to be tested over the next three weeks on Thursday, May 7 from 11 am through 12:30 pm in the Pine Forest High cafeteria. Media representatives are cordially invited to sample the new menu choices; students will be available for interviews and to provide feedback as well.
The initiative is an effort to provide more student-driven menus and healthier choices in school cafeterias. The effort is largely in response to results of Superintendent Malcolm Thomas’ climate survey late last year. Food service was the overwhelming concern expressed by students throughout the survey period.
New menu choices available during the testing period include honey turkey salad, chipotle chicken wrap, stir fry, kung pao, and a significant fresh fruit selection.
In addition to Pine Forest, the program is also being piloted at Tate High and Ransom Middle. Student participation of all test cycle menu items will be analyzed before next year’s secondary school menu cycle is finalized.
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Note: It ‘s good to see Superintendent Thomas respond to the students’ requests.
In his survey at the end of 2008, for the all the responders – Food service ranked ninth as a issue in the comments section.
For the students, it was the top priority:
1. Food Service: 16.60%
2. School start / end time: 14.52%
3. Curriculum: 11.20%
4. Student Discipline: 9.54%
5. Custodial: 6.22%