Things Have Changed a Bit Since We Were Young
Janna Stevens, Administrator, School District of Superior
Four Corners Principal Jack Jarnis helping a student get a good start to the day!
Most of you reading this article grew up at a time when lunch was the only meal served at school. We usually had one offering. The meal included some type of meat, cooked vegetables, milk and an ice cream cup. Remember the mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy and soft peas?
Well, things have definitely changed! Our Superior School District offers lunch and free breakfast at every building. Our High School and Middle School also offer dinner. When the opportunity presented itself to offer dinner, we jumped on it. We have so many children involved in afterschool activities … providing a meal made good sense. Jeanne Hopkins, Director of Food Service for the School District shares, “We are very concerned about all of our kids having enough to eat each day. We are very encouraged by our partnership with the Superior Housing Authority. They have agreed to have us serve free supper in the Peter Rich Center Monday through Friday when school is in session. The Salvation Army also partners with us to promote events and celebrations for the kids.”
Superior High School students enjoying breakfast with Rep. Nick Milroy
Many people have commented that our middle school and high school are more like a restaurant in their offerings than a school cafeteria. An example of lunch at SHS gives options for the main meal as well fresh fruits/vegetables and beverages. Students can choose from chicken strips, chili, pizza, roast turkey, tacos, hot dogs, waffles, salad bar and various soups. “We believe as children get older we need to allow them to make choices on their diets while still maintaining nutritional expectations,” Janna Stevens, District Administrator.
Great Lakes Elementary students having lunch
The National School Lunch, Breakfast and Dinner programs are federally assisted meal programs operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. More recently, through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act championed by the First Lady Michelle Obama and signed by President Obama, the USDA made the first major changes in school meals in 15 years, which will help us raise a healthier generation of children.
Lake Superior Elementary youngster at lunch time
The new standards align school meals with the latest nutrition science and the real world circumstances of America’s schools. These responsible reforms do what’s right for children’s health in a way that’s achievable in schools across the Nation. “Improving the quality of the school meals is a critical step in building a healthy future for our kids,” said Tom Vilsack, US Agriculture Secretary, “When it comes to our children, we must do everything possible to provide them the nutrition they need to be healthy, active and ready to face the future.”
General Mills and Kellogg’s have both jumped on the nutritional band wagon formulating their cereal sold to school cafeterias with 51% whole grains. In fact, all grain items served in school cafeterias are required to meet this requirement, not only the slices of bread and hamburger buns, but right down to the breading on the chicken nuggets and the croutons on the salad. Very often, the items served in school cafeterias are quite different from similar items sold in grocery stores.
Just a few of our great employees in food service!
In Superior, we not only care about nutrition, we also know the quality of the staff serving the meals is critical. The Food Service Staff at all 8 schools work to make sure the environment is friendly and inviting for students. “We call our crew the Charm Team,” states Jeanne Hopkins. The Charm Team is all about creating an atmosphere where our students feel safe and valued. This past March was pet picture month. Children were asked to bring their favorite pet photo to lunch along with sharing a story about their pet. The photos are displayed and the children receive some special treats for their pets. This is a great way to build a relationship with the students.
Gerri Anderson proudly displaying her apron
The kids definitely care about the Food Service Staff too! Last year during Staff Appreciation week, all cooks received a special apron made by the students in their schools. What a nice way for the kids to thank our wonderful food service staff for all their good work during the school year!
And what do the kids say about lunch? First Graders from Great Lakes Elementary Report:
“My favorite hot lunch is tatter tot hot dish. Also, try the tacos they are out of this world awesome! No I am not kidding! They are cool.” Kate Porter
“You need to try Great Lakes lunch. It is so awesome! The hot dogs, macaroni, and sloppy joes are the best because it comes with chips too.” Taylor Thomas
“Lunch at Great Lakes is cool. All of the food here is fabulous and tasty.” Gunnar Anderson
