Cambridge School District
Cambridge, New York
Error processing SSI file| Categories | Limit student access to competitive foods; Make more healthful foods and beverages available |
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| Problem Overview |
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| Program/Activity Description | With strong support from the Cambridge School District (CSD) superintendent, faculty, and staff, food service director Kay Powers and the food service staff have made several changes to improve their school nutrition environment. Five years ago, they established a deli bar for 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. The deli meal, also available as a reimbursable lunch, includes made-to-order deli sandwiches, pretzels, fresh fruit, and milk. The program was initially started with three grades; two more grades were added after the success of the first year. The deli bar now serves over 100 students per day from the five grades.
CSD has also changed its policy for vending beverages and snacks. The only beverage machine on all day is a milk machine (for high school students only). Juice and snack machines are available during school hours. According to the district’s snack policy, snacks are not available to kindergarten students, and students in grades 1 through 4 can purchase only one snack per day. Although food service revenues have decreased with fewer snack sales, the department is still operating in the black. The food service director attributes the successful changes in the Cambridge School to the strengths within the department: a positive attitude, the willingness to change, and an ability to take risks, along with flexibility and organization. |
| Program/Activity Outcome | CSD will introduce “Choose Sensibly” in September 2004. This campaign was launched in 2003 by the New York State School Food Service Association and is designed to educate students about nutritious choices and help food service staff market these choices more effectively. |
| Words of Wisdom | "...my plan is to teach them when they are young, and they will learn a valuable lesson about healthy eating for many years to come." — Kay Powers, Food service Manager, Cambridge Central School |
| Program Contact | Kay Powers |