Welcome!

Welcome to a new school year and to the HCPS fresh bytes blog! As a new "blogger", I have debated about what to include in this first post. I have so much I want to share with you about our School Nutrition Program. Ah, where to begin?

Let's start with the basics. HCPS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, and new this year, we will be participating in the After School Snack Program at Harrisonburg High School. So what does this mean? Schools who participate in these USDA programs must offer meals and snacks that meet specific nutritional standards. For example, school lunches must contain at least 1/3 of the RDA for eight essential nutrients and must contain no more than 30% of calories from fat and no more than 10% from saturated fat. Schools also offer free and reduced price meals to students who qualify. In exchange, participating schools receive federal reimbursement for meals and snacks served to students.

Time to dispense with the boring details. Let me tell you about some exciting things that we have cooked up this school year. Each year, we have tried to make one or more changes to the foods we offer to go above and beyond what is expected by USDA. A few examples are eliminating fried foods at our elementary and middle schools, increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables available to students, and offering more whole grain products. Last year, we started an entree salad option at our elementary schools and it was a HUGE hit with students!

This year, our goal is to expand upon our Farm to School program. Over the past two years, we have slowly been making connections with area farmers to bring their local product to our lunch rooms.

I am happy to report that last school year, over 8% of our produce was purchased direct from local growers! Some of the locally grown items on the menu for this fall include lettuce, apples, cucumbers, melons, potatoes, carrots, and ground beef. Check back for updates on the F2S program!

On the technology front, our cafeteria computer system has undergone an upgrade. We now have a "server based" system where students and teachers may use their lunch accounts at any of our schools. No need to worry - student account numbers are the same as last year!

I think that's enough for now. Check back often for information about upcoming events, tips, recipes, and resources concerning all things food and nutrition.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009-2010 school year!