Chartwells earns allergy-safety certification; cafeterias add menu items and explore dye reduction

The Dallastown Area School District food-service advisory committee reported menu changes and food-safety work at the Feb. 20 board meeting, including a Silver FAREs certification for Chartwells staff, new scratch-made bakery items at the Wildcat Cafe and a planned baked-potato bar and expanded breakfast choices.

Chair member Mrs. Aubol said Chartwells employees have completed training in food-allergy safety; the district’s food-service vendor received the Silver FAREs certification. Committee members reported pizza sales were down while entrees increased, and that the Wildcat Cafe had introduced from-scratch bakery items and would expand grab-and-go breakfast options (croissants, English muffins) and a baked-potato bar in coming weeks.

Nut graf: The committee also raised consistency issues for elementary breakfast service during two-hour delays and encouraged district-wide standardization so students are not disadvantaged by staggered schedules. Committee members said the elementary lunch program saw January as its highest lunch month after menu changes were introduced.

Mrs. Aubol also said committee members are seeking ways to reduce artificial food dyes in cafeteria offerings, citing possible behavioral benefits. “They said they have reduced the food dyes in the food. And they're looking for ways to continue to do that,” she said.

Ending: Chartwells corporate visits the district next week and a newly hired chef has begun work; committee members said additional menu items will roll out in March and district staff will explore standardizing breakfast procedures on delayed-start days.