Did anyone read the article in this mnths issue of Nick Jr. magazine about reworking elementary school cafterias to serve REAL food? It was very eye-opening, and I would love to have my daughter eating/trying what those schools are doing. any ideas on how to kick start this?

I didn't read the article, but I do know that in our district those decisions and contracts are made at the district level. So I would ask your principal or maybe the school secretary who to contact.

It's worked at our school for a few years now!

When our school opened we didn't have a kitchen, so students brown bagged it everyday. Just three years ago, the school moved into a "real" school building with a $20,000+ kitchen! SO ever since then the kitchen manager has vowed to do her best to cook real (and really good) lunches. NO YOU CAN'T HAVE HER .

The amazing info that was shared was how much cheaper it is to cook a meal than to warm up a pre-packed item. Something to ask your school to really look at, numbers are everything! Our teachers and staff have even said they are willing to pay $1-2 more for a fresh salad bar than prepackaed salads purchased from a warehouse.....and they taste better!

Something to explore, that's for sure!

mykids--Is your kitchen manager an independent or a contracted company? We don't have a "real" cafeteria, but have a provider that brings in "hot" (yeah--RIGHT) lunches which are absolutely appalling. It stuns me the state of NJ could think that in any way these meals are nutritious.

WE don't have a fancy kitchen either. However, this year we contracted with a local restaurant for lunches and they bring in hot lunches for the kids. The kids love it. Some parents feel it is a little pricey but I have found that my kids are not as hungry when they get home from school (and therefore not racing for the junk food). WE have 3 lunch periods (we are a k-8 Catholic school)so the restaurant runs brings trays three times a day. So far it has been extremely successful.

Shelly A-
What kind of foods/prices do you have? We're a private school, too, without a kitchen and we, too, bring in outside (read: mostly fattening) food. We have Italian food one day (spaghetti, etc.), Chick Fil A, Mcdonald's, Pizza, and a po-boy type restaurant. Just curious what your prices are. Ours run from about $2.50 at the low end to $4.75 for the most expensive.
Shelly