Greendale Schools Continue to Increase Healthier Servings of Food

Greendale schools is working towards making foods healthier for their students.

Brian Koffarnus, Director of Buildings and Grounds and Food Service, said on Monday night's school board meeting that while the schools are providing healthier foods that does not mean that every student will take advantage of the options.

School board student member Hayley Serketich said she has been enjoying the healthier options, but realizes not all her classmates will jump on the healthier food. 

"There will still be people who prefer chicken tenders," said Skerketich.

What did the Greendale School District do in 2011-2012 to make food options healthier?

• Featured entrée of the day includes a calorie chart that shows the calories, fats, protein, carbohydrates, sodium and even the Weight Watchers points. Some of the featured entrees have included caesar salad, turkey & sprout wrap, mediterraneans tuna wrap, sun coast salad, flat bread chicken margarita Pizza, buffalo chicken salad, and strawberry spinach salad with chicken.

• Food Service Department worked with Mary Kelly, a Dietitian from the Sensia Health Group, to reduced the carbohydrates on the monthly menus by replacing them with whole grain breads, salads, soups, low fat cookies, juice products, fresh fruit, baked Lay products, chex mix, and low fat Nabisco products.

• Focused on using foods with little or no transient fat.

• The popular made to order wraps were on the menu 3 times a week with two stations.

• More whole grain breads, higher quality meat, cheese, yogurt and reduced the number of days processed meats are served.

• Fresher fruits and vegetables are purchased from a local produce company rather than from a large warehouse provider. The fresh fruits and vegetables are being served at least three times in place of canned.

What does the district hope to do next year for 2011-2012?

• Increase fresh fruit and vegetable offerings to five times per week.
• Continue to work on detailing on daily production records. Lead workers will attend a training session offered by DPI during this summer.
• Continue to work with the Elementary Parent Advisory Group. In an attempt to reach more parents, we continue to expand and attend parent meetings.

Koffarnus informed the school board that Pat Muth of food services will be retiring during the school year, but is working towards making the transition.