Westport Wows With School Lunch Program

The Westport Community Schools Facebook page shared a post last month showcasing a new lunch option they were offering students and many people took notice.

The new, fresh option is just one of the many changes the Westport schools have made to their district wide lunch program in an effort to bring a better-quality lunch to students.

Speaking with Evan Gendreau, chairman of the Westport School Committee, he shared that there are multiple initiatives that the food service programs have added and it’s those programs that are making the difference.

“The district is trying to be more mindful about where we are purchasing from. Westport has made efforts to serve meals that look and taste better and is working to encourage healthy eating at a young age. We have been purchasing more locally-sourced food, particularly beef and fruits. We are also offering more fruit and vegetables, and always have alternative options available. Parents can also request salads or alternative options for their children which all include protein, grain, and milk per the guidelines.”

One of the programs the district participates in is the Farm to School Program. The statewide program assists school food service directors to improve the nutritional value and taste of school meals while also supporting the local economy. Farmers selling locally-grown products to schools can earn a profit while finding new ways to connect with local consumers.

The Westport School District also works with the Marion Institute through their “Grow Education Program” to educate students on farming. That program supports a full-time Food Corp staff member that works in the Westport District Garden and helps with relevant lesson plans for students to gain an awareness of healthy eating.

Gendreau says the Marion Institute is also working with the district to form a collaborative local purchasing group to address how to procure more locally-sourced foods.

“One of the goals is that a collaborative effort may help to address cost concerns since it is often more difficult for districts to sustain the higher costs associated with healthier, local food options” says Gendreau.

Westport Community Schools also have a “sharing fridge” at the elementary school through the “Food Rescue” program. Students can donate food items that otherwise may have been thrown away and the food is donated to a local family farm for animals to consume. The goal of that program is to teach children about waste reduction.

Lastly, the district works with Black Earth Compost in an effort to further reduce waste.

The comprehensive effort to overhaul the public school lunch program has set Westport Community Schools apart, and it shows. But don’t worry, they still offer those fun lunches like hotdogs and desserts.

“Our food service staff does a great job serving our students and the district is looking to expand on each of these initiatives in the near future” says Gendreau.