Whitsons Reports More SPS Students Eating School Lunches

Editor's note: A correction has been made in a Scott Berry quote. Berry said 45 more meals are being served per day.

Whitsons District Manager Scott Berry and SPS Manager Linda St. Hilaire were given the task of improving the lunch menu for students after many complained about the options and overall taste from last year.

During the Sept. 24 Sudbury Public Schools Committee meeting, both reported a noticeable improvement.

"Last year was challenging but a great experience," Berry said. "We're starting off strong this year. We're serving 45 more meals per day which is great news. We've been able to design menus knowing what students are look for while following FDA guidelines."

"The kids are more excited by the day when they come in," Berry said.

Also added was a burger shoot to help students get through lunch lines quicker than before, bread bowls, a grilled cheese promotion and nutritional safari promotion.

"This year we're focused on what students want," Berry said, adding they have implemented a sampling program to get students to try new foods. "At the Curtis school we're getting students to try new things. The buffalo chicken breast ... students here weren't touching it. We gave them samples, told them what it was, and now it's going out of style. If they don’t like it, they can bring it back, try something else as long as they're getting a full nutritious lunch." 

Last school year Whitsons came under fire in February for serving undercooked chicken to Noyes Elementary students. Less than a year before the same incident happened at Nixon Elementary when Chartwells was in charge.

Despite the incident, Finance Director Mary Will said extending the contract for Whitsons on was the best option for SPS.

Committee member Scott Nassa said he was glad to hear of the improvements Whitsons has made since.

"I’m encouraged to hear this, it’s all great," he said. "A few months ago we voted on renewing the contract, and last year was a tough year. Talk about stepping up to plate. This is how I run my life. I see issues and I fix them. I’m impressed."

St. Hilaire said she's constantly updated on the needs of each school.

"I've been out to schools, going through the inventory, moving product around," she said. "A commodities shipment is expected next month, and I'll make sure product is rotating out. One lead person at each school reports to me every day. All ordering, all production records are sent every day. That's how we're meeting state expectations."

Berry said they are finding this year students who are authorized to buy second lunches are doing so, making him believe students are finding the options appealing and delicious.

"Our business is to feed kids," he said. "That’s our primary goal."