School District implements lunch program changes to reduce waste and increase student awareness

In a recent special business meeting held by Oak Park ESD 97, school officials unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the lunch program for the upcoming school year. The initiative, driven by student feedback and a commitment to sustainability, seeks to address food waste and improve meal visibility among students.

One of the key proposals is the introduction of sharing tables in each school. This innovative approach allows students to place unwanted items from their lunches on a communal table, where others can take them. This initiative not only aims to reduce food waste but also provides an opportunity for students who may not have brought lunch to access additional food options. School officials are also exploring partnerships with local food pantries to donate any leftover food, ensuring that it does not go to waste.

To further engage students, the district plans to roll out a survey in collaboration with local high schools, gathering insights on the lunch program. This feedback will help shape future menus and ensure that students are aware of daily offerings. Officials emphasized the importance of promoting local food sources, such as locally grown asparagus, and will display this information prominently in cafeterias.

In addition to these initiatives, the district is set to conduct a full audit of the lunch program, examining everything from student participation to equipment and menu options. This audit will include a food waste assessment, led by a local parent group, to better understand current practices and identify areas for improvement.

However, the meeting also addressed challenges, including a slight increase in meal prices due to rising costs. The board proposed a 10-cent increase for both elementary and middle school lunches, which was met with some discussion about the need for transparency regarding pricing changes.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed a commitment to not only improving the quality of meals but also to educating the community about the complexities of school lunch regulations and the efforts being made to provide nutritious options within budget constraints. The initiatives discussed reflect a broader goal of fostering a healthier school environment while actively engaging students in the process.