Grafton schools add chef, expand menu promotions and composting as meal participation rises

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Grafton School Committee heard a food-service report from Whitsons district manager Joe Armenti and Grafton school nutrition director Betsy Labonte, who said breakfast and lunch participation has risen year over year and outlined menu changes, sustainability steps and recent equipment upgrades.

Labonte told the committee the district “added a chef to our program,” hired in October, who spent the year promoting new menu items and conducting in-school promotions that the presenters said raised daily participation. She listed recent items and promotions that included a pancake “ring” made with whole-grain batter, a chicken gyro, a loaded potato offering and a Chick-fil-A–style chicken sandwich the presentation called the “Yod Bird.” Labonte said the district continues to provide a meatless option on…