Chartwells School Dining Services Increasing Local Produce in North Reading Schools

Chartwells School Dining Services provides food for North Reading schools and is planning to increase the amount of fresh and frozen produce used to make school lunches for North Reading students. 

"We do have a very big commitment as far as using as much local produce as possible," said Northeast Regional Executive Chef Glenn Brunetti.

The company has really made it a priority, Brunetti said. Chartwells recently held a summit in Worcester that brought school officials, farmers and legislators together to ensure that all involved are aware that demand is greater than supply when it comes to local produce, Brunetti said.

Chartwells is also working to increase the amount of fresh produce used during winter months. They started working with a facility in western Massachusetts that is flash freezing produce for them in the peak of season, Brunetti said, and that food can be served in the Winter.

“This year they are going to produce more for us,“ he said.

According to Brunetti, Chartwells is dedicated to training their staff and keeping up their skill level. Director of Food Services in North Reading Anna McGovern will attend a training session in Foxboro this week for three days of training to learn new culinary techniques and all the new USDA regulations, which will add a lot more whole grains, fruits and vegetables to school lunches.

“The easiest way to improve food quality is to improve food ingredients,” Brunetti said.

For more information about Chartwells School Dining Services, visit www.eatlearnlive.com.