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District nutrition director: Pacific Grove Unified menus avoid peanuts and offer allergen information
Summary
Director of food services Robert Silvera said the district does not serve peanuts or tree nuts from its kitchen and posts allergen and nutrition details on its menu; schools offer accommodations for students with dietary restrictions and have a "nuts" and "no-nuts" seating strategy when needed.
Director of Food Services Robert Silvera said Pacific Grove Unified does not serve peanuts or tree nuts from its kitchens and that district menus include allergen and nutritional information.
"Just a couple notes: nothing that we serve from our kitchen has peanuts or tree nuts or [is] made in a facility that contains that," Silvera said. He added that the district's menu on the website lists allergens, calories and other nutrition details and that staff can provide samples or meet with families to address specific dietary needs.
During questions, staff and parents described classroom and cafeteria accommodations for students with severe allergies. Administrators said some classrooms with students who have life'threatening allergies may operate with additional restrictions; Robert Down has a designated "nuts table" for students who bring nuts, while other areas remain nut'free to protect allergic students.
Silvera also explained that although California runs universal meal programs, federal terminology requires the district to use the free-and-reduced registration framework for linked services; nevertheless, the district currently offers free meals to eligible families and provides fresh fruits and salad options daily.
Ending: Families were encouraged to contact nutrition services about specific allergens and to review the online menu for ingredient and nutrition details prior to registration.
