There’s big news about school meals at Princeton Public Schools! Here’s an excerpt from the Request for Proposal upon which the new contract is based: “The Princeton Public Schools view their cafeterias as an extension of their classrooms – and of their values. We are looking for a food service management company that shares our commitment to the health and wellness of our students, to the sustainability of our planet, to the provision of quality food for all children regardless of economic means, to partnership with our community, and to food as an entry point to learning. The successful food service management company will manifest these values through fulfillment of the following objectives of our food service program:” and then goes on to list specifics in categories of food quality and choice, education, sustainability and assessment. Here’s the quick version: “Offerings should reflect a globally adventurous and seasonal menu of nutritious, appealing foods, largely consisting of legumes, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, fruits and healthy fats….No processed meats should be served. All milk offerings should be organic…To the extent possible, foods should be fresh and locally sourced within 100 miles…Snacks offered a la carte should exceed the USDA Smart Snack Standards and contain no high fructose corn syrup, no added sugar, no food dyes, no trans fats, and be low in sodium. Examples include fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, seeds, popcorn, pretzels, and snacks in which the primary ingredient is a whole grain.”
Here’s the youtube video. Start at 49:02 and go to 1:00:14.
https://youtu.be/FFTyRjN84kA
karlacook
School meals Request for Proposal
Thrilled to report that the Princeton Public Schools has published its Request for Proposal for its Food Service Management Company.
Empowering students, one tasty homemade cracker at a time
JW Cooks+Gardens, our 6-week seed to table after school program, is under way! Thanks to our wonderful Chef Michelle Fuerst and to Priscilla Hayes, our edible gardens educator with the greenest thumb ever. The students learned to make crackers from simple ingredients — flour, butter or oil, seeds and herbs and spices. Next week, they are in the garden. Among the comments: As they were grinding seeds: “That smells strong! But really good!” As they were kneading the dough: “This is like Play-Doh!” As they were cleaning up: “I’m going to drop tech and take Food Science.” As they were walking out the door: “This was the best class ever.”
