By
RENEE ORDOOBADI Students, faculty members and parents often discuss their personal views on the quality of school food, but many do not realize how important their opinions truly are.
Prince William County Schools held its 23
rd Annual Food Show allowing consumers of all ages to evaluate the healthy yet tasty entrées, side dishes and other food products that may be offered for breakfast and lunch next school year. For the second year, Patriot High School hosted the Food Show, which took place on Tuesday, March 19. “We offer vegetarian choices for students, give more options for fresh fruits and vegetables, watch fat content, and we have whole wheat products,” said Lorna Jean Pozeg, cafeteria manager at Saunders Middle School.
It is evident that many students share a similar quality – picky taste buds. In spite of this, School Food and Nutrition Services are given the challenge to accommodate a wide variety of opinions regarding what “wholesome meals” should taste like. Results of taste tests and any suggestions provided by tasters for improving the food service program will be used when selecting healthy meals. Hopefully, these will teach students that making heart-healthy choices does not have to be a sacrifice, if it satisfies the palate. “We are changing our chicken wings so they are boneless, but still have the same flavor,” cafeteria worker Suzette Curry said. Ashley Scott, a third grade teacher at Cedar Point Elementary, said the Buffalo Chicken was more than satisfactory. “I was surprised by the Buffalo Chicken; it had some ‘kick’ to it,” Scott said. From elementary to high school, the majority of students favored the "Pepperoni Pizzata." “Well, I like the Pepperoni Pizzata, and the grilled chicken was good too,” said Victor Bolster, a sixth grader at Parkside Middle School. While, mothers Daniella Capicchioni and Terri Bolster both enjoyed the Layered Lettuce Salad. There were a few items on the menu that astonished consumers: Chicken Pepperoni, Strawberry Raisins and Sweet Potato Swirl.
“My favorite was the Sweet Potato Swirl. It looked like a cinnamon roll, but apparently there was some sweet potato in there,” said Laura Rutledge, a third grade teacher at Cedar Point Elementary. The new breakfast and lunch menus seem to be sneaking in healthy ingredients with the aim of appealing for anyone who tries them, even the youngest and most discerning of diners. School cafeteria food has certainly come a long way in terms of taste and nutrition.
