Innovative Efforts Enhance Student Dining Experience at Tahlequah Public Schools
In a bid to elevate the dining experience for students, the Tahlequah Public Schools Child Nutrition Department has implemented a series of strategic initiatives over the past year. These changes aim to ensure that mealtime is not only nutritious but also enjoyable for all students.
At the forefront of these enhancements is the partnership with Chartwell’s, a food service management company renowned for innovative dining solutions. This collaboration is particularly significant as it coincides with the district’s participation in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP). This program allows all students in the district to receive complimentary breakfast and lunch daily, effectively removing the financial barrier to healthy meals. According to district officials, families with two children can save approximately ,650 annually through this initiative, underscoring the program’s importance in addressing food insecurity.
Feedback from the student body has been overwhelmingly positive since the launch of Chartwell’s dining services. Colin Mays, Director of Dining, alongside Executive Chef Jean Aldridge, has been pivotal in transforming the menus. A particularly notable offering is the Discovery Kitchens initiative, introduced at elementary schools. This program features pop-up displays of regional recipes, designed to engage students through interactive experiences and educational activities centered around food.
In addition to the Discovery Kitchens, secondary schools like Tahlequah High School (THS) and Tahlequah Middle School (TMS) recently participated in the “Students’ Choice” initiative, where students tasted and voted on new recipes. The standout winner was Big City Barbecue, which was integrated into the school menus shortly thereafter. Following this, a new line called Mac and Cheeseyology was introduced, with another Students’ Choice event scheduled for March to continue gathering student input on meal options.
To further promote healthy eating habits among students, the Child Nutrition Department will introduce the Mood Boost program in February and March at elementary schools. This initiative aims to educate students about the connection between food and emotional well-being, featuring new lunch menus that emphasize fruits and vegetables alongside fun activities designed to make healthy eating enjoyable.
To improve breakfast accessibility, portable breakfast carts have been deployed at THS and TMS. Positioned near key areas such as administration offices and the gym, these carts offer students the opportunity to grab breakfast closer to their classrooms, accommodating those who may struggle to reach the cafeteria on time.
Since the beginning of the school year, the district’s food service team has made significant strides in meal service, tallying nearly 400,000 meals served, including 106,444 breakfasts and 226,035 lunches. This achievement reflects the department’s commitment to providing nutritious meals critical for fostering healthy growth and learning among students.
As the district continues to evolve its food service offerings, strong student participation remains essential for the sustainability of programs like the CEP. The Tahlequah Public Schools Child Nutrition Department expresses gratitude for the community’s support and reaffirms its dedication to nourishing students daily.
Submitted by Child Nutrition Assistant Director Heidi Krueger.
