Food services director highlights popular 'fun lunches,' staffing needs and Martin Milan food court timeline

The Lampeter-Strasburg School District’s food services director told the board at its May 18 workshop that a new ‘‘fun lunches’’ menu and themed meal events have boosted student participation but that the department still faces staffing and logistical challenges.

The director said the elementary 'fun lunches'—two offerings that include a pepperoni-pizza option on naan and a fresh-fruit-and-yogurt option with banana or blueberry bread—meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements and have been ‘‘hugely popular,’’ with one kitchen manager serving nearly 100 a day. "They're all bringing lunchables. Oh, we can do better than that," the director said, explaining the program began after kitchen staff proposed alternatives to processed options.

Why it matters: School meal choices affect student nutrition, participation rates and food-service revenue; the director framed the changes as a way to reduce processed items and increase fresh offerings while complying with USDA rules.

The presenter also described special events—such as a Super Bowl–themed menu with loaded tater tots, raffles and book giveaways tied to Dr. Seuss celebrations—to boost engagement and morale among students and staff. She said the department attended three days of training on USDA and Department of Education regulations and participated in a farm-to-table initiative intended to expand partnerships with local growers.

On staffing, the director said the district currently has four open food-service positions, two vacancies stemming from retirements. "It's a never-ending cycle in food services," she said, describing the work as physically demanding and noting the department is conducting interviews to fill openings. To encourage attendance, the department has used donated Domino’s Smart Slice gift certificates as monthly recognition for employees who do not miss work.

The presentation also previewed a planned fall opening for a new food court at Martin Milan (a middle-school project tied to the ongoing renovation). Asked for a timeline, the director said the target is to be back in by Labor Day but added the schedule depends on contractors, equipment installation and reinspection: "If they can have that food court ready, ... we're ready to go. But you can't rush perfection," she said.

The director recounted recent operational disruptions—one instance when a bread-delivery truck collided with a bus caused the district to rely on bagged backups and Domino’s as a contingency—that illustrate the department’s need for flexible backup plans.

The board praised staff enthusiasm and the presenter’s leadership; members asked several clarification questions about timelines and staffing. The director said she feels supported by the board and administration and thanked them for ongoing collaboration.

The presentation did not result in a formal vote; the board moved on to personnel and other agenda items after the discussion.