The Families in our school actually just fought to keep our current provider and NOT go to the public school lunches. We recently got a new principal and when he learned that he could get school lunches for our students for free, he thought that would be a great way to save on the budget. The parents however didn't feel the same way.
We made sure that ALL families we made aware of the current situation with the food service and the budget, the changes that were being proposed, and then we held meetings with the Family Team (PTO,PTA if you will), the School's Board, the Administration, the Staff, as well as the Kitchen staff. Once we made our position clear the administration met with the Food service provider and told them what we were happy with and what we were unhappy with. Changes were made that satisfied all involved. Our Chef, (yes, Chef not lunch lady) hand makes as many foods as he can. He NEVER uses canned veggies! Only flash frozen so that the children aren't getting too much salt. He uses whole wheat breads and pasta, soy cooking oil. He bakes everything, he never fries anything at all ever!
The key is that you have the right to tell them what you want for your children. It is your tax dollars at work. You just have to be persistent and be sure that you communicate with ALL parents. Don't leave anyone out. Sometimes that's hard with language barriers, BUT there are often parents that are willing to translate documents so that everyone can be informed.
Knowledge is power my friend. The more you know, the more leverage you will have.
Good luck!
This sort of this is a fine issue for our PTO -- we in fact had the director of food service come to one of our meetings and discuss various issues like this. Actually, it was the reverse: the kids don't much care for the whole-grain pizza crusts.
This is really not a PTO issue. This should be discussed with the food service department and the school administration.
Unfortunately, if you get free or reduced lunch, you're stuck with what the school serves but if you are paying for the lunch, try packing a healthy lunch for your child. There are power in numbers and if enough people stop buying the lunch, you may be able to get a change.
But in the meantime, please speak to the administration about their menu. They don't know there is a problem unless you bring it to their attention.
We just formed a new committe for this reason and other food related issues at our school. We have started to research other schools we heard through the grapevine are healthy and have met with their PTO's about what they did and as soon as we gather enough info, we will go ahead to the school board, I believe this will take a long time, but it needs to be addressed, I am sick of the usual answer "if you don't like what the school offers, bring your own lunch" we do, but we have many students who are on a free lunch program who eat what they are served. Good luck with your schools.
