Clintonville School District Explores Innovative Food Service Options
The Clintonville School District is considering a significant change in its food service operations, as it explores the possibility of partnering with a specialized provider to enhance the dining experience for its students. The district's school board recently met with representatives from Taher, a leading food service company, to learn about the potential benefits and opportunities that a contracted service could offer.
Revolutionizing School Meals: A Taste of the Future
Embracing Change: The Clintonville School District's Culinary Journey
The Clintonville School District is at a crossroads in its food service operations. With the retirement of the district's long-serving food service director, Kathleen Brei, the district has recognized an opportunity to explore alternative options that could potentially improve the quality, variety, and efficiency of its student meal program. The decision to invite Taher, a respected food service provider, to present to the school board reflects the district's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing its students with the best possible dining experience.
Taher: A Culinary Partner for the Future
Taher, a privately owned company with over 43 years of experience in the industry, has emerged as a potential solution for the Clintonville School District. With 61 accounts across Wisconsin, Taher has a proven track record of delivering innovative and diverse meal options to school districts. The company's focus on incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients, eliminating trans fats, and promoting international cuisine aligns with the district's goals of providing a well-rounded and nutritious dining experience for its students.
Customizing the Dining Experience
One of the key aspects of Taher's presentation was its emphasis on customization and collaboration with the school district. The company's regional vice-president, Jim Madden, emphasized that if the district were to partner with Taher, the lunch program would still be the district's own, with Taher providing a wealth of ideas, standards, and exclusive menu items to enhance the overall dining experience. The district's food service director would have the ultimate decision-making power in adapting the menu to suit the preferences and dietary needs of the students.
Empowering Student Choice
Taher's approach to student dining also caught the attention of the Clintonville School Board. The company's concept of a self-service fresh fruit and vegetable bar, as well as a food court-style setup for middle and high school students, aims to give students more autonomy and ownership over their meal choices. This approach, according to Madden, has led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced food waste in other districts.
Exploring the Possibilities
The Clintonville School District is currently in a phase of exploration, with Superintendent Troy Kuhn indicating that the district is not planning any immediate changes to its food service for the upcoming school year. Instead, the district has hired the new food service director, Trevor Drake, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the program and provide recommendations for potential improvements or changes.While the district is not rushing into a decision, the presentation by Taher has opened up a dialogue about the potential benefits of a contracted food service provider. Kuhn emphasized that the district is considering this option to potentially enhance the efficiency, quality, and overall dining experience for its students, while also exploring ways to save costs without compromising the level of service.As the Clintonville School District continues to navigate this transition, the community can expect to see a thoughtful and deliberate approach to ensuring that its students receive the best possible food service, whether through the district's existing program or a potential partnership with a specialized provider like Taher.
