Fueling Students for a Year of Success
Lunchtime at Canon-McMillan School District is about creating an experience and offering more than the standard lunch options. With popular options like an Asian bar, wing bar and the newly launched pho( pho noodle) bar, the food service team introduces new meals that get the students excited for lunch. The team recently added two commercial smokers at the high school and middle school, which will serve smoked chicken, turkey and hard-boiled eggs.
Erin Lenhart, director of food and nutrition, began working in the restaurant industry at the age of 16. She later brought her talents to Canon-McMillan, where she has been a vital part of the food service team for the past decade.
“ This is more than a job. It’ s a way to make a real difference,” she said.“ We make sure the food we serve is not only nutritious but something the students can look forward to.” Lenhart’ s philosophy is simple: she treats each cafeteria as if it were a restaurant.
“ When you sit down in a restaurant, you have expectations. That’ s the same standard to which we hold our kitchens.” Lenhart said,“ We listen. Kids tell us what they like, and we adjust because it’ s important that they have multiple choices and get excited to eat lunch.”
Student feedback sessions also help shape the menus to ensure that what’ s served is both healthy and something students will eat. These conversations are built into the planning process throughout the year, whether it’ s scheduled food tastings or student surveys, the food team takes every opportunity to hear directly from the kids.
Planning for the school year starts early. Staff members undergo three full days of training before students return from summer break. One day is dedicated entirely to hands-on kitchen experience with new recipes and products. The staff also gets trained on updated compliance regulations and state reporting systems.
“ I’ ve seen our staff grow from substitutes to running the entire kitchen,” said Lenhart.“ We all spend so much time with the students— we’ re like their therapist and cheerleader all in one.” anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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