Collaboration with School Foodservice

Charles City Elementary was awarded a USDA Fruit/Vegetable grant which provided an opportunity for getting foodservice staff more involved in wellness activities. The grant provided funding that enabled students to taste test, outside of the meal program, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. It also was a stimulus in building collaboration with foodservice. Although a great asset, the grant required extra cafeteria time to order the vegetables and fruit, slice or portion the vegetables, deliver them to the classroom, and make sure that the serving schedule was carried out daily in a timely manner. 

To provide needed manpower, an enthusiastic volunteer helped prepare and serve the fruits and vegetables. The students loved having the snacks and were always inquisitive about the snack for the day. The volunteer’s creative ideas and interest in nutrition education helped her become a cheerleader for foodservice and provided her with valuable experience.

To provide recognition for the kitchen staff and extend the partnership link to the school children kitchen and cafeteria tours were given during National Nutrition Month in March. Third and fifth graders watched salads and bread being made, saw the dishwasher in operation, and peeked into the pantry. “This is the best day of my life!” a student commented after touring the kitchen.