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Student reps tell Elmbrook board they want more variety, allergy labeling and fresher produce in school lunches
Summary
High-school student representatives reported survey results on school lunches to the board: favorites include pizza and Belgian waffles; students asked for more variety outside the main line, better allergy awareness and more fresh fruits and vegetables; meal prices were reported around $3.50–$4.00.
Student representatives from Brookfield Central and Brookfield East presented a monthly high‑school report focused on school lunches and fielded board questions on Dec. 6.
Students said crowd-pleasing items include French-bread pizza, Belgian waffles and orange chicken. Repeated feedback asked for more variety outside the daily main line, expanded healthier options beyond the salad bar, better allergy labeling at the point of service, and solutions for late-lunch shortages of bagels and sandwiches. Representatives reported a one-year, 40% decrease in office behavior referrals and a three-year 12% increase in students’ sense of belonging at Pilgrim Park as examples of successful programs, citing positive outcomes tied to behavior supports and engagement initiatives.
On price and portion size, student presenters estimated typical main lunch prices at about $3.50–$4.00, with add-on snacks around $2–$2.50. Some students reported portions adequate most days but noted variability by meal and day, and asked for consistent portioning where items such as popcorn chicken make quantity harder to gauge.
Board members and the superintendent encouraged families to share detailed feedback with the new food director and thanked students for the report. The board noted the district’s foundation is fundraising to expand salad production and encouraged more input before any menu changes.
Next step: The board asked the community to channel feedback to the district food director and noted the new food director welcomes suggestions.
