The first semester Knoch Food Service/Wellness Committee meeting was held on January 12. In attendance were Food Service Director Craig Nurmi, members of the District Administration and Business Departments, parents, and student representatives from all four buildings.
Mr. Nurmi introduced himself to the group. He took over as Food Service Director at the beginning of this school year and has since made some positive changes in every school cafeteria. For instance, he has transitioned all cooking to baking and eliminated frying. He is including far more fresh fruits and vegetables in the menus and continues to add new food items to the menus. There is now a snack cart at lunches at KPS, and his goal is to include one at KIES by this spring.
Additionally, he introduced a Root Vegetable Action Station at KHS last fall. The dish featured locally-grown vegetables and was seasoned with Rosemary. It was done as a tasting, so the food was free and most of the students took advantage and tried it. Many were surprised at how much they liked it. Because this event was so successful, Mr. Nurmi plans to do more in the coming months, starting with a Hot Chocolate Day at each school. The focus of that event will be that the hot chocolate is made from Marburger milk and cocoa, not from a packet. This will also be free to any students who wish to partake.
The changes in the cafeteria are impacting the number of students who eat school meals as well, with breakfasts up 49% and a la carte purchases up 24 1/2% over last year.
One important thing that everyone at Knoch wants to remind parents is that breakfast remains free for all students.
Mr. Nurmi encouraged anyone who had questions or suggestions about the food service to contact him anytime at [email protected].
For more information about the Knoch School District's Wellness Committee and policy, as well as monthly wellness tips, please visit the District website and click on the "Wellness Tips" button.