On Tuesday night, parents gathered at Charles H. Bullock Elementary School for a “Food Town Hall.” The event highlighted Montclair Public Schools’ new food provider, Sodexo. Parents joined in-person and online to discuss meals for their kids.
Sodexo showcased a buffet with options like beef and vegetarian tacos, pizza, string beans, and fresh fruit. A la carte items included yogurt parfaits and SunButter sandwiches.
Samantha Baker, a dietitian with Sodexo, explained that the goal of the meeting was to hear what parents and students want. “We aim to serve meals that students enjoy while promoting healthy eating,” she said. Baker detailed nutritional guidelines and talked about how they accommodate food allergies.
Parents raised important questions during the event. Caitlin Kiarie, a registered dietitian and mother of two, inquired about the freshness of food served at school. She wanted to know how much is cooked on-site versus reheated. While a Sodexo representative claimed all food goes through an oven, Kiarie pointed out that it doesn’t clarify whether the food was previously frozen.
Another parent, Annie Hirshman, asked about the sugar content in a la carte items like muffins and juices. Baker responded that discussions about reducing added sugars might occur as Sodexo settles into their role.
There are challenges with introducing a new vendor mid-year. The previous provider, Southwest Food Service, ended its contract due to payment issues with the district. Superintendent Ruth B. Turner humorously described it as a “divorce.”
Despite some concerns, many parents, like Hirshman, have noticed positive changes. She mentioned that her kindergartner is now happier with the meals offered.
As schools focus on nutrition, it’s crucial to involve parents in discussions. Recent surveys show that nearly 70% of parents want more transparency about school lunches. This event emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, providers, and families to promote healthier choices in education.
For additional insights on school nutrition trends, you can refer to the USDA’s School Meals Policy.
