As of August 20th, all of APS schools have access to the new salad bowl! Students are able to make healthy choices as they fill up their 8 oz. biodegradable bowl with fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Tossed leafy greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes are vegetables that are served on a daily basis. All other items such as apples, bananas, fresh broccoli, celery, whole wheat pasta salad, and many more are served on a weekly basis and rotate each day.
The APS Salad bowl goes beyond the Federal requirements by USDA by providing biodegradable bowls and locally grown fruits and vegetables upon availability. It is accessible to every student in the meal line with no additional cost. It is important to provide options between cooked foods and fresh fruits and vegetables in order for students to form healthy eating habits.
“We believe that teaching doesn’t stop in the classroom, it happens in the cafeteria too,” says Dr. Marilyn Hughes, the Director of Nutrition.
The salad bowl is a result of an 8-month experiment at Jones Elementary School. Students were offered a variety of fruits and vegetables to determine which were the most popular items. Their preferences were then aligned with the appropriate nutrient content that students need for a balanced diet. Our goal is for our students to enjoy their meals as they participate in a healthy selection of natural foods for proper learning and growth.
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