When school opens in September, students can expect big changes on the lunch line in Irvington schools. Beginning this fall, student lunches will include only fresh produce and will have many additional healthy options to provide a more nutritious meal. Also for the first time, kindergarten students will be able to participate in the school lunch program but additional changes all point to better nutritional choices for students across all grade levels.
“The Irvington School District is committed to providing our students with the healthiest meal options possible,” said Superintendent Dr. Kris Harrison. “I believe we have made huge strides by enhancing our meals to include fresh fruits and vegetables with each meal and eliminating less nutritious offerings.”
In addition to kindergarten students being able to purchase the hot lunch entrée, some other new choices are set to improve the nutritional options for Irvington students including vegetarian alternatives, fresh bagels and SunButter (no peanut butter). Additionally, those on the deli line in the secondary schools will be pleased to know that this meal option will be now be available as a regular lunch rather than at a more costly al a carte option.
The one-year food service contract was awarded to Aramark, with the option to renew annually for an additional four years, per SED regulations. Aramark has been serving Irvington schools since 2003, and received the award since it was the lowest responsible bidder while providing numerous nutritional and operational advantages. The District is excited about Aramark’s new proposed initiatives.
Other additional changes include:
- An additional deli line at the Middle School / High School Campus to shorten serving lines
- A wider variety of fresh fruit offerings
- An expanded salad bar
- Daily fresh yogurt parfaits
- Variety of pizza offerings at the Campus pizza station
- Replacement of canned vegetables and fruits with fresh produce.
Beverly Miller, Assistant Superintendent for Business added, “We are pleased to be able to continue to enhance the lunch experience for all students by expanding healthy offerings and by taking steps to expedite service to provide students with more time to enjoy their healthy meals.”
The District looks forward to continuing to build upon these improvements each year and will devise a Food Service Committee that will work with Aramark and staff to expand its initiative to provide high-quality, healthy meals for the students of the Irvington School District.
