BCPS food service works to boost nutrition in schools

School is out for summer, but work doesn’t stop for Broward County Public School’s Food and Nutrition Services department.

The staff is planning new initiatives for the upcoming school year and reinforcing those that stood out last year.

“This year our focus is on service, not just quality, our big focus for the last several years,” said Darlene Moppert, the Food and Nutrition Services program manager.

The department will continue to expand its breakfast programs, Moppert said. It has added snack items that are nutrient dense for children who don’ t want a whole meal before school, she said.

For the past two years the district has served a free, universal breakfast to every child, every day. Many aren’t ready to eat during the early morning rush to school. Then they arrive hungry.

“It’s a big thing to be able to do for everybody,” Moppert said. “With breakfast being the most important meal of the day, especially

in terms of a child’s ability to perform cognitive functions.”

Moppert seeks to boost daily salad options in the cafeterias. Along with standard fare such as tuna and chef’s salads, schools are required to offer a vegan salad.

“We’re looking to expand that, to encourage children to have more plant-based meals… and make it appealing to everybody,” she said.

During a recent visit from French food service professionals, stops at several Hollywood schools showcased the department’s best practices.

The delegation saw Driftwood Middle School in Hollywood’s hydroponic garden. Students learn to grow vegetables as part of the “green” school’s curriculum, Moppert said.

At Colbert Elementary, the French group

saw the school’s fruit and vegetable of the month program. Anew item is introduced in the cafeteria and highlighted in coursework.

“It’s been so successful in terms of student response,” Moppert said. Her staff hopes to further promote fruit and vegetables and is experimenting with menu items like roasted butternut squash.

At McNicol Middle School, the French visitors watched a Wellness in the Schools demonstration. The New York-based nonprofit works with staff and students to increase use of fresh and plant-based foods.

“Theywere surprised to see a chef having a class of students,” Moppert said. “The students learn about nutrition in a fun way. It helps to reinforce the principals of healthy eating.”

“This year our focus is on service, not just quality, our big focus for the last several years.” — Darlene Moppert, Food and Nutrition Services program manager