Representatives from each Lansing’s High Schools kitchen staff gathered on Nov. 7 to take part in practicing new dishes that will be part of a bigger “One Table” menu. As a result of student feedback, the district aims to provide more diverse food options, including vegan qualities.
SodexoMagic is the district’s vendor for food supply and was entrusted with the responsibility during the decision-making process. “Our primary focus was to ensure that the company addressed the needs and desires of the students, and so far, it has been well-received,” said Robert Kolt, Lansing’s District Spokesperson. Notably, Nachos seem to be the most popular item on the menu among the students.
It’s been heard by the district to incorporate the favorable all-day offerings of fruits and vegetables into the broader spectrum of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These will serve the expectations that the students desire and want the most. “It’s an incredible variety of food and we feel pretty proud about the fresh options,” said Kolt.
The menu includes Green Chili Turkey and Corn Stew with Rice, Dominican Tofu and Rice Guisado with Tostones, Jamaican Jerk Lentils with Rice and Baked Plaintains, and Jollef Rice.
TC Mingus, Lansing School District
Four Plates of Food Are Displayed to Show the Finished Products of What the New Menu Will Look Like.The goals are being met to cater to variety and diversity amongst a student body with several ethnic individuals. The district has and still is working with those students to develop more options.
The Career and Technical Education Institute at the Henry Health Center, which is part of a new High School program that the district put together, has begun teaching students culinary skills. The experimentation allows the students to learn about different vegan recipes hands-on. The district has about 10,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff members, and it remains the largest district in the mid-Michigan region.
“Especially when I used to be an athlete, I wish I could’ve gotten to know more about healthier options,” said a former Dewitt High School Student, Sydney Meredith.
TC Mingus, Lansing School District
A Display of Spices Stand Tall as the Kitchen Staff Gather Ideas to Begin Experimenting.The day of preparation on Nov. 7 was also the day for community members to hear about the initiative as well. The district made a Facebook post and received nothing but positive responses. Parents and other local businesses commented that it was a great opportunity and that things have come a long way since the old days of consuming “Little Debbie’s” and “Chocolate Milk” at lunchtime.
They began implementation just after the kitchen staff concealed the details about the new menu. They will continue monitoring student feedback and ensuring that goals are being met regarding student satisfaction.