As Burke County Public Schools enters into its fifth week of school, many things have started to become routine, including the new dining service.
BCPS hired on Chartwells, an independent food dining service, to take over the nutrition program at the beginning of the school year and have been pleased with the outcome so far.
After the first week of using Chartwells, many parents of BCPS students posted on the The News Herald Facebook page about the reaction to the new service and menu selections. The post included both positive and negative feedback.
“My kids love the new food service,” commented Lavonne Holshouser. “They've raved about it from day one. They hated the food in previous years. This is definitely a huge improvement.”
While there were many who shared similar comments, some parents have expressed concern over the limited choices that students have.
“Let the children choose the food they want to eat,” commented Todd Meldahl. “Go down a line and put on tray what they want. Limiting their choice is now the problem. (My) son goes to Freedom. (He) says food is good, but can't choose.”
But according to Angie Hensley, BCPS food service management coordinator, every student is allowed one entrée and any of the hot vegetables that they want, along with and as many choices of the fresh fruit and fresh vegetables offered each day.
“They are able to purchase extra entrée items if they want to do that,” Hensley said.
Another concern expressed on Facebook by parents was the amount of time that students had to eat.
“Mine (her children) go to Freedom, but say that the line is so long,” commented Shonta Nelon. “There isn't enough time to eat.
Steve Savage, director of dining services for Chartwells, hopes to address the problem in all high schools and middle schools by creating a kiosk line.