District contractors highlight expanded menu, special events and outreach from school nutrition program

Nathan Manfredo, a director with the district—s contracted nutrition provider, told the McKeesport Area School District Board of Directors on March 6 that participation rose after recent special events and that parents had been contacting the program seeking more information.

Manfredo said the district—s nutrition team ran a range of themed meals in February, including an ice cream celebration at Twin Rivers tied to attendance incentives, strawberry shortcake and cinnamon-roll breakfasts for elementary students on Valentine—s Day, a Super Bowl wing bar at the high school and a staff luncheon at Founders Hall where lighter, fresh options were offered.

The presentation included photos and a sample reimbursable lunch that Manfredo said demonstrates the variety available to students; he noted some parents had been surprised to learn that options beyond pizza and milk meet federal meal requirements. "A lot of the parents were engaging and they continue to want to know what was coming in the upcoming months," Manfredo said.

Manfredo said the program has increased its social media activity this school year. "It's the Nutrition Group at McKeesport Area School District. On there is where we have links to all of our school menus ... we post these pictures in real time," he said, adding the district—s PR office agreed to repost highlights to extend reach.

Kelly Balmasoni, identified in the presentation as the regional manager and a supervisor on the nutrition team, participated in corporate training and will bring budgeting and menu ideas back to the district, Manfredo said.

The nutrition representative described menu items that have proved popular with students, including Bosco sticks (breadsticks stuffed with cheese served with a side salad and fruit), and said the secondary schools will see more international cuisine trials next school year, including tikka masala and other Asian and South American dishes that are being tested with students.

Manfredo also reviewed recent operational impacts: a two-hour weather delay reduced breakfast service and lowered lunch counts on affected days; a la carte sales rose after items were added at Francis McClure; and professional development for nutrition supervisors continues.

He closed by inviting board members to upcoming events — Pi Day on March 14, a spring whole-grain cookie offering on the first day of spring, and a made-to-order potato bar at the high school on March 28 — and by encouraging visits to observe special menus and student response.

No formal board action was taken during the presentation; the item was informational.