In the Fall of 2007 we were invited by the School District to participate in meetings to discuss the improvement of the current School Meal Program. The group was made up of District Administrative Staff, teachers, parents and local community members. The consulting services of Acre Gourmet were donated to the District for the purpose of meeting with Food Service Director to review the current food program and facilities, and later, conduct a food audit. The studies indicated several great strengths:
Along with the positives, they also identified several challenges being faced
The most important priorities given to the group were that a Mission Statement be established and then supported with an additional Food Service Staff member to serve in the supplemental Leadership position.
To achieve the best school food program – healthy meals and students well prepared to make educated Choices – that our community, local farms, and families can provide.
Working definition of Sustainability: Providing for ourselves in a way that does not degrade our environment, our community, or our people so that future generations have as good or better options as we enjoy.
The School District Superintendent presented the food group with a newly created position to fulfill needs required to improve the school meal program, a Food Visioner. Unfortunately, due to financial restraints from a limited budget, the District would not be able to fill the position. At that time, the services of our fellow employee and friend,
Kathy Webster were donated to the school for at least a one-year term. Kathy & Food Service Director Regina Silveira quickly jumped together into the work harness. They worked together all summer on creating a new healthy menu (with guidelines from Acre Gourmet) and ordered all the necessary equipment needed to outfit the new kitchen. A visit to the Ann Cooper, Food Service Director at the Berkeley Unified School District, was very educational for them. By the end of August most of their preparations were complete; they were ready for school to start and to begin their new adventure in providing a new healthier meal program to the students in the La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District.
Click here (www.lhpusd.net) to see what students & staff are being served this week.
Suggestions in the June 2008 Locally Produced Newsletter
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Click here for a list of locally available produce and food.
Find out how we are helping to achieve the best school food program – healthy meals and students well prepared to make educated choices – that our community, local farms, and families can provide.
Sources of flowers, fruits and vegetables to help you to start, improve or expand that backyard garden or orchard.
Links to puzzles from monthly newsletters.
Links we think you'll find interesting and informative. Along with a thorough list of books available from the Peninsula Library System. Updated regularly.
Great ideas for using that local produce!
A photo gallery of local people, places, and things.