What's Happening in Westlake, OH…

Diana Hill, the food service director of the Fairview Park City Schools, wants children of all ages to be able to eat healthy foods, and has opted to add salad bars at Fairview High School, Mayer Middle School, and Gilles-Sweet Elementary School.

Hill says that the district used to have pre-made chef salads available, but usually sold fewer than 10 per day. However, now that the students can make their own salads choosing ingredients they like, the schools are selling between 40 to 70 daily. Hill says that the fact the students can create their own salads appears to have made the difference.

A grant from the Chef Ann Foundation enabled the school district to provide the salad bars to the schools. Hill says she is continuing to challenge the students by providing new and different items for them to try.

As a case in point, the schools recently served sweet and sour chicken and veggies, using Chinese-style containers, along with chopsticks. The students were taught how to use the traditional implements, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and their meal.

Hill extends an invitation to parents throughout the district to come and have lunch with their children to see how food service has changed since they were in school.

Efforts like this can benefit if administrators work with a flyer printing company, which can create an informative mailer for parents.