Cafeteria team celebrates $6000 grant and student culinary projects
June 06, 2025 | North Hills SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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In a vibrant meeting room filled with the buzz of anticipation, the School Board Committee gathered on June 5, 2025, to celebrate the achievements of the district's food service program. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as representatives shared updates on initiatives aimed at enhancing student nutrition and engagement.
One of the standout highlights was the significant increase in requests for accommodations for special dietary needs, particularly gluten-free options. This surge reflects a growing awareness and commitment to inclusivity within the school community. The district is actively working on innovative ideas to ensure all students feel welcome and catered to during meal times.
The PA Harvest of the Month program continues to thrive, with a recent collaboration featuring a food photography assignment that challenged high school students to capture their culinary creations. The winning pieces, showcasing the students' artistic talents, will be framed and displayed in the high school cafeteria, adding a personal touch to the dining experience when students return in the fall.
Financial support has also played a crucial role in these initiatives. The district was awarded $6,000 from the PA Harvest of the Month grants, which facilitated taste testing and feedback collection from students. Engaging activities included a nutrition education program for kindergarteners, a tropical green smoothie demonstration, and a popular overnight oat recipe, all designed to introduce students to new and healthy food options.
As the meeting drew to a close, heartfelt gratitude was expressed towards the dedicated team of 33 employees who served over 700,000 meals this year. Their hard work, often under stressful conditions, was acknowledged with appreciation for their unwavering commitment to the students. The introduction of two new managers, Chef Corey and Jen Chesco, was also celebrated, highlighting the positive impact of strong leadership within the program.
The meeting concluded on a high note, with board members praising the team's efforts and expressing excitement for the upcoming school year. As the district prepares to welcome students back in the fall, the focus remains on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
One of the standout highlights was the significant increase in requests for accommodations for special dietary needs, particularly gluten-free options. This surge reflects a growing awareness and commitment to inclusivity within the school community. The district is actively working on innovative ideas to ensure all students feel welcome and catered to during meal times.
The PA Harvest of the Month program continues to thrive, with a recent collaboration featuring a food photography assignment that challenged high school students to capture their culinary creations. The winning pieces, showcasing the students' artistic talents, will be framed and displayed in the high school cafeteria, adding a personal touch to the dining experience when students return in the fall.
Financial support has also played a crucial role in these initiatives. The district was awarded $6,000 from the PA Harvest of the Month grants, which facilitated taste testing and feedback collection from students. Engaging activities included a nutrition education program for kindergarteners, a tropical green smoothie demonstration, and a popular overnight oat recipe, all designed to introduce students to new and healthy food options.
As the meeting drew to a close, heartfelt gratitude was expressed towards the dedicated team of 33 employees who served over 700,000 meals this year. Their hard work, often under stressful conditions, was acknowledged with appreciation for their unwavering commitment to the students. The introduction of two new managers, Chef Corey and Jen Chesco, was also celebrated, highlighting the positive impact of strong leadership within the program.
The meeting concluded on a high note, with board members praising the team's efforts and expressing excitement for the upcoming school year. As the district prepares to welcome students back in the fall, the focus remains on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
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