Elementary school students in San Rafael, California now have their pick of fresh salad fixings every school day. The local school district rolled out new salad bars this fall stocked with fresh, seasonal produce including spring salad mix, tomatoes, broccoli, garbanzo beans, yogurt, sunflower seeds and more. They are offering a weekly special too, like an Asian inspired selection of marinated tofu, shredded cabbage, mandarin oranges and chow mein noodles.
Parents involved in the district’s wellness committee, which has pushed for healthier choices in the cafeteria, have been critical to the successful salad bar launch.
The district hired two of the committee members to help introduce students to their new salad bars. They hosted special assemblies, allowing students to sample the new fare and teaching them the importance of keeping their salad bars clean. They’ve also been collecting feedback and helping the district’s foodservice director identify student favorites.
The wellness committee supported efforts to make a la carte choices healthier as well and to encourage parents and teachers to offer more nutritious classroom treats. One parent has been blogging about the school district’s continued progress and the challenges they’ve encountered along the way. You can follow the latest developments by clicking on the “school lunches” category found at www.whatscookingwithkids.com/.
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