OASD Irony
Contributed by: Jim B.
I will be the first to admit that I do not have all of the specifics of this, but maybe one of our "Blog Journalist" can help us. I would also be interested in Board candidates take.
Merrill Elementary School has recently been chosen to be a Healthy Living Charter School. This means that they will get Federal funding to change eating habits and lifestyles of students. Getting rid of soda machines is just the beginning. Apparently, the principal of Merrill Elementary approached the School Board to inquire about changing the daily lunch menu. Currently the lunch menu falls within the federal nutrition guidelines, but those guidelines are suspect to say the least. I won't give the whole list, but nachos, hot dogs, waffles with syrup, corn dogs, are part if this healthy menu on an ongoing basis(I have the whole list if anybody is interested). The internal foodservice organization within OASD has resisted changing anything for this program, and the principal does have the option to go out to outside sources with the federal money. My understanding is the Board told the principal that if they change it for Merrill they will get complaints from other schools wanting the same thing! Does this sound backwards to you? They also told her that no one has been complaining(parents) about the menu, so it is a non-issue.
Obviously, this is not a huge issue based on other Board issues, but keeping the status quo because no one is complaining just doesnt sound right to me. The amount of fruits and vegetables the children get is minimal at best, and if they do they are canned.
The principal is prepared to go outside to a foodservice company to get the program going. Apparently, the internal foodservice organization within OASD is a for profit entity with employees enjoying a profit-sharing type set up. What would ever make them want to change. Bringing in an outside vendor could not only help with the nutritional side, but could help save money as well.
I would be interested in hearing Board candidates thoughts on this issue.
Jim B.
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Michelle Monte on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 12:35 PM MST
Jim,
You are right about some of your assumptions. The food on the menu is suspect. Is ketchup REALLY a serving of vegetables???
The district uses several cop-outs on many issues. "Parents don't complain." Why should they? No one listens anyway. Clearly parents have no power in this district, even when it comes to their children, unless they pull their kids out of the public schools.
As far as canned fruits and vegetables, they are the cheapest way to go except for not having them. Frush fruits and vegetables are priced way too high for the average family to get the recommended daily allowance per person. I would prefer frozen, but that gets into storage freezers.
All I can say as a candidate is that I will listen and bring concerns like yours to the table. Until I am elected, community members like yourself need to show courage and go to the board meetings. Hold those on the board accountable for the state of our schools. Make your voices heard. At the very least, as them to explain.
Jim, I will do all I can. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss this further.
233-9878
---
Thanks for reading.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 12:51 PM MST
Michelle,
Thanks for the reply! One thing I didnt mention is that I heard the OASD Foodservice marks-up milk almost 300%. I have no evidence of this, but based on the price it would make sense. I understand the fresh fruit and vegetable issue, but lower the price of milk and those items become more affordable. Why would OASD profit from milk?
Merrill School has 49% of its students in the below poverty level. I have witnessed children coming to school hungry and not bathed. The lunch meal might be their only hope to getting good nutrition. And you are right, they offer pizza with a serving of cooked carrots and it meets the guidelines.
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Michelle Monte on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 02:51 PM MST
Jim,
I do not know about a milk markup of 300%. I was grocery shopping today and smaller cartons were not priced much differently than what schools charge.
At my children's school, I had the opportunity to talk with the principal indirectly about milk. The matter was completely unrelated but the price did come up. The price is not set by the schools. It is based on the price set by the supplier. Based on what I have seen in the stores, a similar carton would cost about 40 to 50 cents each.
I have to say, I have always considered Pizza to be nutritious, but that may be because I love it so much. However, hot dogs and other processed meats contain food coloring (Red #40) known to affect kids with ADHD/ADD/Autism. I would like to see better choices for lunch meat and more fruits and vegetables. I wonder if the district would consider yogurt, my kids love it and it is a good source of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Often yogurt is cheaper than fresh fruit, yet still nutritious.
I have to ask, though, why a healthy living charter school that impacts so few and often not the ones who need it most? Why not a revamp of the current lunches and diet and health curriculum at all the schools to benefit everyone? I know, too expensive. Besides no one has complained yet.
---
Thanks for reading.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 06:11 PM MST
Isn't the food service that the OASD uses Sodexho, the Wal-Mart of institutional food services?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 06:31 PM MST
The charter is a direct result of the principal presenting a lengthy proposal to be chosen. This is federally funded and the fourth place in the nation to get picked.
Sodexho services UW-O
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 01:19 PM MST
The fourth place in the nation to get picked for what?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:11 PM MST
I beielve he ment it was the 4th school to be picked as a Healthy Lifestyle type Charter School. Although the other 3 only contained "parts" of what Merrill is trying to do. For those not aware, a "Charter School" is sort of like an experiment. Additional state and federal funding is granted to charter schools to use non-traditional approaches to improve education. It's hoped that these "test schools" will provide data to prove/disprove the asertions made. What is especially puzzling in the Merrill case is that the OASD Food Service is fighting doing any changes when they they should be leading the fight. What better way to prove/disprove that their current lunch menu provides adequate nutrician!
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 11:43 PM MST
Eliminate the OASD food program. It is basically grade D hospital food anyway.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 07:45 PM MST
I'm wondering where exactly you got the information that the board told the principal various things? I've been watching the board meeting and I don't remember any such discussions. When exactly did the board say these things?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 12 2006 @ 08:02 AM MST
Who said anything about the board? What are you referring to?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 13 2006 @ 10:09 PM MST
I'm referring to the posts from Jim B. saying "the Board told the principal that if they change it for Merrill they will get complaints from other schools wanting the same thing!" I'm just wondering at what meeting that took place, I don't recall that discussion.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 12:10 PM MST
My family has raised this issue with the school system. My daughter once did a class project in which she wrote to the food service director (Peggy Wuest ?). She told her that she woud like to see more nutritional items om the menu. The response was a lot of excuses ie.. we meet the guidelines. My family tries to healthy and my daughter often packs her lunch, because of what's on the menu.
My, my, look what I found!
Authored by: DBCooper on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 05:26 PM MST
We have a food service division within the Oshkosh Area School District. Here is an informative/propaganda link to it:
http://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/departments/FoodService/FAQs.htm
The food service division apparently employs one Peggy West to run the program, Ms. West is supposedly a Registered Dietitian. Since her registration number is not posted we cannot confirm it. Registration occurs via the Commission on Dietetic Registration, who conveys the use of the sub-title "RD". http://www.cdrnet.org
Please note that the granting of the use of the term "RD" professionally by CDR IS NOT the same thing as being licensed by the State of Wisconsin!
How many people out there in blog-land are aware of this delightful little website?
http://drl.wi.gov/index.htm
Here, you can find out all sorts of interesting things. If your cosmetologist has had action taken against them because of "whatever". Or your doctor might be a drug addict. All the juicy details if you do some searching.
You can also find out that Ms Peggy West DOES NOT hold a professional certificate to be a Certified Dietitian, at least not in the state of Wisconsin! She did, from August 25th 1995 until October 31, 2004. It has since lapsed.
So, we know who OASD says plans the menus for the schools, it's on the website. Said another way, one director, 2 kitchen supervisors, and 6 cooks plan the meals for all the kids in OASD. Not one of them is licensed by the state in any capacity?
Does that bother anybody besides me?
DBCooper
My, my, look what I found!
Authored by: DBCooper on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 05:30 PM MST
License details:
Name: WEST, PEGGY E.
License number:575
Location: APPLETON, WI 54915
Additional information:
View payment history
Profession: Certified Dietitian (29)
Current through: 31-OCT-2004
Status: NOT ACTIVE
Eligible to practice: NO
Granted on: 25-AUG-1995
Discipline: No
Speciality description: Not applicable
My, my, look what I found!
Authored by: Jim B. on Friday, February 10 2006 @ 09:54 AM MST
Great work DB! Thanks for sharing your findings. I am under the impression that she is one of the main problems with the menu. I have not worked with her directly, but have not heard a lot of good feedback on her approach and willingness to new ideas. But this is not really about her, it is about a school system with a very bad nutritional program. I did some searching on the web comparing lunch menus across the country. Why do children in the Atlanta school system get better meals that OASD children? I could go on and on with the comparisons from across the country!!!
Sounds like it is time for parents to start speaking out about this to the school board. Why did Ms. Wests credentials lapse? Is that a requirement for the job?
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 04:23 AM MST
We need a thrid party to step in and provide nutritional programming for the district. Much like Appleton Central High School through it's contract with Natural Ovens of Manitowoc. Meals are prepared fresh and nutritious each day. No processed items at all. Not only will this set a standard of excellence for our school system, but it would also save the district money in the personnel aspect. All food service positions currently held by the district could be eliminated, and employees could be contracted from the vendor. This would ultimately result in savings due to the fact that no benefits whatsoever (health,vacation,retirement.etc...) as well as a wage would have to be paid. Only the contract price, and the children shall benefit as well from the delicious offerings. I recall fondly the meals I ate as a child here in the Oshkosh Area School District. Too bad they were so unhealthy.... The districts food program run by Ms. Peggy West rates just a tad bit above McDonalds in nutritional value, and that may be a bit of a stretch...
OASD Irony
Authored by: Michelle Monte on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 07:57 AM MST
I lived in Manitowoc before moving to Oshkosh. Manitowoc public schools do not have a hot lunch program at all. In the HS they have an a la carte, but nothing like other districts. That has been that way for decades there, though each school has a kitchen. Parents tried to get a referendum to start a hot lunch program. They did the research and came up with several options. The only option that made it to the referendum was a three million dollar plan from Natural Ovens. That district could not afford $3,000,000 no matter how nutritious it is. I hesitate to know how much they would charge us including transportation of their snacks and bread products from their Manitowoc facility. It might be worth it if they built another facility here to expand their business and help contribute to our economy.
---
Thanks for reading.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 15 2006 @ 08:47 AM MST
As I learn more about this process I am amazed at the complete incompetence of our beloved OASD. The principal who took on this major task of applying for this charter was basically on her own from the beginning. No help from the district at all. Now all of a sudden the school is chosen for the charter and now it becomes a huge issue with the foodservice and OASD. What did they expect?
Apparently, there was a meeting with the head of Foodservice which did not go well. although I was not in attendance I got a first hand account. The head of Foodservice showed up late and was very obviously put off at the fact she even needed to be there. She seems to want to keep everything status quo. Arguing that Nachos is a decent lunch if the right ingredients are used!
I still dont understand why the foodservice is a for profit department. At Merrill School there was a $2500 surplus last year from foodservice. What happens to this money? Shouldnt it be given back to the school, or better yet, adjust the cost to parents to compensate profit?
The more I learn the more it stinks!!!
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 15 2006 @ 02:08 PM MST
Food service is for profit so it doesn't cost the district money to run the program. It has to be self sufficient.
I talked to someone who was at the meeting you referred to and their take was very different that what you are reporting. There are 2 sides to every story.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 17 2006 @ 10:20 AM MST
Hey Anonymous,
the report was based on my wifes take on the meeting. Somehow I trust her judgement more than yours. Of course there are two sides to every story, please share yours!
As far as a for profit foodservice, are you kidding me? Why does it need to be for profit. Shouldnt it just break even. What hapeended to the $2500 that was profit for Merrill School? We already pay for the service, why should it be for profit?
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 18 2006 @ 01:40 PM MST
It is for profit so they can save money to purchase equipment that wears out, dishwashers, freezers, etc. if it just broke even the district would have to pay for that equipment. Who told you Merrill had $2500 profit? Sounds like confusion to me, the food service program as a whole may have a profit but it isn't given to the schools.
How many people out there think elementary students will eat tuna fish on a field trip? I know mine won't they hate tuna or anything to do with fish. Aren't we going a little overboard to say we should never eat peanut butter or lunch meat? I think that is over the top!
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 07:29 AM MST
Watch out it sounds like the food police are coming.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 11:41 AM MST
To the last two anonymous posters:
The foodservice is run by the district. Instead of making a profit how about budgeting properly to pay for equipment, etc. Why do they need to make a profit?? We as parents pay for meals for our children. that money is put into an account and at the end of the year the district takes out the money. Merrill school had a $2500 excess. They didnt get to keep it, but what happens to that money? And how much do other school add to that excess? An internal foodservice department should not be for profit!!
Below is a list of meals the school offers in a 91 day period and the number of times in that time they are served. I don't recall anybody saying Peanut Butter and Lunch meats were bad in this forum. Based on the below list that would be a welcome addition to some of the stuff currently offered.
This isnt about food police, it is about offering nutritious meals for our children. It is proven that children who eat well balanced meals behave and perform better. But wait, that would mean putting the children first. Something our school board and district don't always do!
All Entrees offered out of 91 days
Tacos - 4 days out of 91
Hamburgers - 13 Days out of 91
Pizza - 10 Days out of 91
Nachos - 5 Days out of 91
Spaghetti - 10 Days out of 91
French Toast - 5 Days out of 91
Subs - 3 Days out of 91
Breaded Chicken - 15 Days out of 91
Chicken & Gravy - 5 Days out of 91
Corn Dogs - 5 Days out of 91
Hot Dogs - 7 Days out of 91
Mozzerella Sticks - 5 Days out of 91
Sloppy Joes - 2 Days out of 91
Rib Sandwich - 1 Day out of 91
Obviously this list is not all bad, but appetizers and sugary breakfast for lunch? It is no wonder we have a child obesity problem in this country. Remember this menu meets the state nutritional guidelines.
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: DBCooper on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 03:14 PM MST
The three cheapest food ingredients on the planet are salt, fat, and water. Given that, it's no surprise that a for profit food service would use as much of each of those as possible. It doesn't matter if it's the local school food service, a pre-made meal in the grocery store, or any of the fast food type restaurants. If you rely on other people to serve/make you food, (for a profit), they will sell you the most salt and fat laden foods that they can. It's almost a crime of nature that salt and/or sugar can make fat taste good!
Mozzerella sticks as an entree? Sheesh!
Jim B., Do you have a link to the state nutritional guidelines for schools? I'd like to review them.
Also, in any of your research, have you come across the actual nutritive values for each of these entrees? The same way you can look at the nutrition label on a can of soup at the store, or look up the nutritional content of a piece of pizza at a nationwide pizza chain, shouldn't we also be able to view that info for school lunches?
BTW, how does OASD Food Service know that these entrees meet the state nutritional guidelines, since they do not have a state licensed dietitian on staff? Beuhler? Anybody?
While not germaine to the discussion on OASD proper, we should all also be aware of what exactly is IN some of the stuff being fed either to us or to our kids. So far, we can still outproduce the world in natural cheese, yet somehow it is necessary to patent a process to make cheese out of something besides milk!
http://www.themilkweed.com/Feature_05_Dec.pdf
http://www.themilkweed.com/Feature_06_Jan.pdf
mmm, nutritious and delicious huh?
http://www.themilkweed.com/MPC_Insert.pdf
DBCooper
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 06:50 PM MST
Do you even know the make-up of what is in the "hot dog" served for lunch? Do you know the fat content? Nutritionists will tell you anything in moderation is fine. I really don't think any of the servings you listed are excessive.
And the principal at the Charter school wants to do away with peanut butter and jelly and lunchmeat and only serve tuna on a pita for field trips, aside from the issue of keeping tuna safe in Sept. and May, how many kids would really eat that? You know you do have to think about what children will eat, if you serve food and they don't eat it then aren't getting any nutrition at all. School lunches are not mandatory so if you don't like it don't have your child eat it but clearly many parents don't have a problem with what is served, if they did they would pack a lunch.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 09:23 AM MST
Oh Anonymous,
If you are trying to argue that Hot Dogs are nutritious, well I guess I am wasting my time. Of course anything in moderation is ok, but the majority of that list is fat filled, processed food. Pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, mozzerella sticks, french toast, nachos, and tacos are not foods that should be served in the frequency they are at school. I am sure they are easy to make, but that is not the point. I have never heard the principal mention the Tuna thing, but the PB&J they serve at the school is a packaged product made by smuckers. Have you read the nutrition panel? Not good. Lunch meats would be a welcome addition to the menu in my opinion.
You mention the fact that kids won't eat certain foods? The whole point of this Charter is to initiate good patterns of eating behavior and education so they know that nachos is not a good thing to eat for lunch! If we start now we can instill good habits that will last a lifetime.
Part of the problem is the attitude that kids won't eat it so why try. Too many parents let the children dictate what they will and won't eat. When I was growing up we were expected to eat what Mom prepared. we didnt get special meals because we didnt like something. It didnt take too many times of being hungry before you realized you better eat what was on your plate. My parents were not Nazis about it, but you knew the rules. My children eat tuna, and actually ask for it. Not because they were forced to eat it but because that is what we were serving for lunch that day.
Obviously, we can choose to prepare our own lunches for our children, and sometimes do. We didnt realize how bad the food program was until we got involved in the healthy living charter opportunity. We are upset with ourselves for not being more informed.
Please state your evidence that "clearly" people are alright with it! If any were like me they just don't know. I have heard many cases of people bringing this up to the district and getting nowhere(see above thread). Just because no one is speaking out(in your opinion) doesnt make it right!
I will never apologize for trying to make life better for my children. How can you argue better nutrition is a bad thing???
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 12:34 PM MST
Jim,
To add to your post:
Hot dogs and other processed meats contain Red Dye #40. Research, including done by FDA, shows that children with ADD, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum disorders have adverse behavioral reactions to it much like food allergies. In Wisconsin, ADD, ADHD,and Autism are on the rise.
Foods like Chicken nuggets are pieces of meat pressed into a form. In order to keep its shape, fat is added for form and flavor. Then it is breaded and fried to be reheated later. Chunks of baked or broiled chicken would be just as easy and more nutritious.
Research by nutiritionists, psychologists, and child behaviorists shows that children need to be introduced to a new food 15 times before determining if a child likes or dislikes a food.
Bottom line is still why is there going to be a charter school to benefit a couple dozen kids by teaching nutrition and healthy living, and not a district wide program to accomplish the same for all the kids?
Michelle Monte
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 01:01 PM MST
Merrill Elementary has more than a "couple dozen" kids. I would think you would know that.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 03:40 PM MST
Michelle,
Again, the reason Merrill was chosen was because of the principal doing all the leg work and submitting a lengthy proposal. Other schools in the district could have done the same thing. If this works for Merrill, I am sure other schools and parents at other schools will want it.
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 05:44 PM MST
Is that not why we have an administration? Maybe they could colaborate on Tuesday to give our kids better nutrition.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 06:08 PM MST
That is the exact purpose of Charter Schools, try something new, see how it works and then diseminate the idea.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 06:20 PM MST
Thank you, Jim.
It is nice to know someone doesn't expect me to have ALL the answers and is willing to share some.
Michelle
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:23 PM MST
Again, a Charter School is an "experimental" apporach to try new ideas. If giving kids more nutricious foods to see if it might increase their ability to learn isn't credible then I DON'T know what a credible idea is.
I will be the first to admit that I do not have all of the specifics of this, but maybe one of our "Blog Journalist" can help us. I would also be interested in Board candidates take.
Merrill Elementary School has recently been chosen to be a Healthy Living Charter School. This means that they will get Federal funding to change eating habits and lifestyles of students. Getting rid of soda machines is just the beginning. Apparently, the principal of Merrill Elementary approached the School Board to inquire about changing the daily lunch menu. Currently the lunch menu falls within the federal nutrition guidelines, but those guidelines are suspect to say the least. I won't give the whole list, but nachos, hot dogs, waffles with syrup, corn dogs, are part if this healthy menu on an ongoing basis(I have the whole list if anybody is interested). The internal foodservice organization within OASD has resisted changing anything for this program, and the principal does have the option to go out to outside sources with the federal money. My understanding is the Board told the principal that if they change it for Merrill they will get complaints from other schools wanting the same thing! Does this sound backwards to you? They also told her that no one has been complaining(parents) about the menu, so it is a non-issue.
Obviously, this is not a huge issue based on other Board issues, but keeping the status quo because no one is complaining just doesnt sound right to me. The amount of fruits and vegetables the children get is minimal at best, and if they do they are canned.
The principal is prepared to go outside to a foodservice company to get the program going. Apparently, the internal foodservice organization within OASD is a for profit entity with employees enjoying a profit-sharing type set up. What would ever make them want to change. Bringing in an outside vendor could not only help with the nutritional side, but could help save money as well.
I would be interested in hearing Board candidates thoughts on this issue.
Jim B.
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Michelle Monte on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 12:35 PM MST
Jim,
You are right about some of your assumptions. The food on the menu is suspect. Is ketchup REALLY a serving of vegetables???
The district uses several cop-outs on many issues. "Parents don't complain." Why should they? No one listens anyway. Clearly parents have no power in this district, even when it comes to their children, unless they pull their kids out of the public schools.
As far as canned fruits and vegetables, they are the cheapest way to go except for not having them. Frush fruits and vegetables are priced way too high for the average family to get the recommended daily allowance per person. I would prefer frozen, but that gets into storage freezers.
All I can say as a candidate is that I will listen and bring concerns like yours to the table. Until I am elected, community members like yourself need to show courage and go to the board meetings. Hold those on the board accountable for the state of our schools. Make your voices heard. At the very least, as them to explain.
Jim, I will do all I can. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss this further.
233-9878
---
Thanks for reading.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 12:51 PM MST
Michelle,
Thanks for the reply! One thing I didnt mention is that I heard the OASD Foodservice marks-up milk almost 300%. I have no evidence of this, but based on the price it would make sense. I understand the fresh fruit and vegetable issue, but lower the price of milk and those items become more affordable. Why would OASD profit from milk?
Merrill School has 49% of its students in the below poverty level. I have witnessed children coming to school hungry and not bathed. The lunch meal might be their only hope to getting good nutrition. And you are right, they offer pizza with a serving of cooked carrots and it meets the guidelines.
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Michelle Monte on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 02:51 PM MST
Jim,
I do not know about a milk markup of 300%. I was grocery shopping today and smaller cartons were not priced much differently than what schools charge.
At my children's school, I had the opportunity to talk with the principal indirectly about milk. The matter was completely unrelated but the price did come up. The price is not set by the schools. It is based on the price set by the supplier. Based on what I have seen in the stores, a similar carton would cost about 40 to 50 cents each.
I have to say, I have always considered Pizza to be nutritious, but that may be because I love it so much. However, hot dogs and other processed meats contain food coloring (Red #40) known to affect kids with ADHD/ADD/Autism. I would like to see better choices for lunch meat and more fruits and vegetables. I wonder if the district would consider yogurt, my kids love it and it is a good source of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Often yogurt is cheaper than fresh fruit, yet still nutritious.
I have to ask, though, why a healthy living charter school that impacts so few and often not the ones who need it most? Why not a revamp of the current lunches and diet and health curriculum at all the schools to benefit everyone? I know, too expensive. Besides no one has complained yet.
---
Thanks for reading.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 06:11 PM MST
Isn't the food service that the OASD uses Sodexho, the Wal-Mart of institutional food services?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 08 2006 @ 06:31 PM MST
The charter is a direct result of the principal presenting a lengthy proposal to be chosen. This is federally funded and the fourth place in the nation to get picked.
Sodexho services UW-O
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 01:19 PM MST
The fourth place in the nation to get picked for what?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:11 PM MST
I beielve he ment it was the 4th school to be picked as a Healthy Lifestyle type Charter School. Although the other 3 only contained "parts" of what Merrill is trying to do. For those not aware, a "Charter School" is sort of like an experiment. Additional state and federal funding is granted to charter schools to use non-traditional approaches to improve education. It's hoped that these "test schools" will provide data to prove/disprove the asertions made. What is especially puzzling in the Merrill case is that the OASD Food Service is fighting doing any changes when they they should be leading the fight. What better way to prove/disprove that their current lunch menu provides adequate nutrician!
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 11:43 PM MST
Eliminate the OASD food program. It is basically grade D hospital food anyway.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 07:45 PM MST
I'm wondering where exactly you got the information that the board told the principal various things? I've been watching the board meeting and I don't remember any such discussions. When exactly did the board say these things?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 12 2006 @ 08:02 AM MST
Who said anything about the board? What are you referring to?
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 13 2006 @ 10:09 PM MST
I'm referring to the posts from Jim B. saying "the Board told the principal that if they change it for Merrill they will get complaints from other schools wanting the same thing!" I'm just wondering at what meeting that took place, I don't recall that discussion.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 12:10 PM MST
My family has raised this issue with the school system. My daughter once did a class project in which she wrote to the food service director (Peggy Wuest ?). She told her that she woud like to see more nutritional items om the menu. The response was a lot of excuses ie.. we meet the guidelines. My family tries to healthy and my daughter often packs her lunch, because of what's on the menu.
My, my, look what I found!
Authored by: DBCooper on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 05:26 PM MST
We have a food service division within the Oshkosh Area School District. Here is an informative/propaganda link to it:
http://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/departments/FoodService/FAQs.htm
The food service division apparently employs one Peggy West to run the program, Ms. West is supposedly a Registered Dietitian. Since her registration number is not posted we cannot confirm it. Registration occurs via the Commission on Dietetic Registration, who conveys the use of the sub-title "RD". http://www.cdrnet.org
Please note that the granting of the use of the term "RD" professionally by CDR IS NOT the same thing as being licensed by the State of Wisconsin!
How many people out there in blog-land are aware of this delightful little website?
http://drl.wi.gov/index.htm
Here, you can find out all sorts of interesting things. If your cosmetologist has had action taken against them because of "whatever". Or your doctor might be a drug addict. All the juicy details if you do some searching.
You can also find out that Ms Peggy West DOES NOT hold a professional certificate to be a Certified Dietitian, at least not in the state of Wisconsin! She did, from August 25th 1995 until October 31, 2004. It has since lapsed.
So, we know who OASD says plans the menus for the schools, it's on the website. Said another way, one director, 2 kitchen supervisors, and 6 cooks plan the meals for all the kids in OASD. Not one of them is licensed by the state in any capacity?
Does that bother anybody besides me?
DBCooper
My, my, look what I found!
Authored by: DBCooper on Thursday, February 09 2006 @ 05:30 PM MST
License details:
Name: WEST, PEGGY E.
License number:575
Location: APPLETON, WI 54915
Additional information:
View payment history
Profession: Certified Dietitian (29)
Current through: 31-OCT-2004
Status: NOT ACTIVE
Eligible to practice: NO
Granted on: 25-AUG-1995
Discipline: No
Speciality description: Not applicable
My, my, look what I found!
Authored by: Jim B. on Friday, February 10 2006 @ 09:54 AM MST
Great work DB! Thanks for sharing your findings. I am under the impression that she is one of the main problems with the menu. I have not worked with her directly, but have not heard a lot of good feedback on her approach and willingness to new ideas. But this is not really about her, it is about a school system with a very bad nutritional program. I did some searching on the web comparing lunch menus across the country. Why do children in the Atlanta school system get better meals that OASD children? I could go on and on with the comparisons from across the country!!!
Sounds like it is time for parents to start speaking out about this to the school board. Why did Ms. Wests credentials lapse? Is that a requirement for the job?
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 04:23 AM MST
We need a thrid party to step in and provide nutritional programming for the district. Much like Appleton Central High School through it's contract with Natural Ovens of Manitowoc. Meals are prepared fresh and nutritious each day. No processed items at all. Not only will this set a standard of excellence for our school system, but it would also save the district money in the personnel aspect. All food service positions currently held by the district could be eliminated, and employees could be contracted from the vendor. This would ultimately result in savings due to the fact that no benefits whatsoever (health,vacation,retirement.etc...) as well as a wage would have to be paid. Only the contract price, and the children shall benefit as well from the delicious offerings. I recall fondly the meals I ate as a child here in the Oshkosh Area School District. Too bad they were so unhealthy.... The districts food program run by Ms. Peggy West rates just a tad bit above McDonalds in nutritional value, and that may be a bit of a stretch...
OASD Irony
Authored by: Michelle Monte on Saturday, February 11 2006 @ 07:57 AM MST
I lived in Manitowoc before moving to Oshkosh. Manitowoc public schools do not have a hot lunch program at all. In the HS they have an a la carte, but nothing like other districts. That has been that way for decades there, though each school has a kitchen. Parents tried to get a referendum to start a hot lunch program. They did the research and came up with several options. The only option that made it to the referendum was a three million dollar plan from Natural Ovens. That district could not afford $3,000,000 no matter how nutritious it is. I hesitate to know how much they would charge us including transportation of their snacks and bread products from their Manitowoc facility. It might be worth it if they built another facility here to expand their business and help contribute to our economy.
---
Thanks for reading.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Wednesday, February 15 2006 @ 08:47 AM MST
As I learn more about this process I am amazed at the complete incompetence of our beloved OASD. The principal who took on this major task of applying for this charter was basically on her own from the beginning. No help from the district at all. Now all of a sudden the school is chosen for the charter and now it becomes a huge issue with the foodservice and OASD. What did they expect?
Apparently, there was a meeting with the head of Foodservice which did not go well. although I was not in attendance I got a first hand account. The head of Foodservice showed up late and was very obviously put off at the fact she even needed to be there. She seems to want to keep everything status quo. Arguing that Nachos is a decent lunch if the right ingredients are used!
I still dont understand why the foodservice is a for profit department. At Merrill School there was a $2500 surplus last year from foodservice. What happens to this money? Shouldnt it be given back to the school, or better yet, adjust the cost to parents to compensate profit?
The more I learn the more it stinks!!!
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, February 15 2006 @ 02:08 PM MST
Food service is for profit so it doesn't cost the district money to run the program. It has to be self sufficient.
I talked to someone who was at the meeting you referred to and their take was very different that what you are reporting. There are 2 sides to every story.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 17 2006 @ 10:20 AM MST
Hey Anonymous,
the report was based on my wifes take on the meeting. Somehow I trust her judgement more than yours. Of course there are two sides to every story, please share yours!
As far as a for profit foodservice, are you kidding me? Why does it need to be for profit. Shouldnt it just break even. What hapeended to the $2500 that was profit for Merrill School? We already pay for the service, why should it be for profit?
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 18 2006 @ 01:40 PM MST
It is for profit so they can save money to purchase equipment that wears out, dishwashers, freezers, etc. if it just broke even the district would have to pay for that equipment. Who told you Merrill had $2500 profit? Sounds like confusion to me, the food service program as a whole may have a profit but it isn't given to the schools.
How many people out there think elementary students will eat tuna fish on a field trip? I know mine won't they hate tuna or anything to do with fish. Aren't we going a little overboard to say we should never eat peanut butter or lunch meat? I think that is over the top!
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 07:29 AM MST
Watch out it sounds like the food police are coming.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 11:41 AM MST
To the last two anonymous posters:
The foodservice is run by the district. Instead of making a profit how about budgeting properly to pay for equipment, etc. Why do they need to make a profit?? We as parents pay for meals for our children. that money is put into an account and at the end of the year the district takes out the money. Merrill school had a $2500 excess. They didnt get to keep it, but what happens to that money? And how much do other school add to that excess? An internal foodservice department should not be for profit!!
Below is a list of meals the school offers in a 91 day period and the number of times in that time they are served. I don't recall anybody saying Peanut Butter and Lunch meats were bad in this forum. Based on the below list that would be a welcome addition to some of the stuff currently offered.
This isnt about food police, it is about offering nutritious meals for our children. It is proven that children who eat well balanced meals behave and perform better. But wait, that would mean putting the children first. Something our school board and district don't always do!
All Entrees offered out of 91 days
Tacos - 4 days out of 91
Hamburgers - 13 Days out of 91
Pizza - 10 Days out of 91
Nachos - 5 Days out of 91
Spaghetti - 10 Days out of 91
French Toast - 5 Days out of 91
Subs - 3 Days out of 91
Breaded Chicken - 15 Days out of 91
Chicken & Gravy - 5 Days out of 91
Corn Dogs - 5 Days out of 91
Hot Dogs - 7 Days out of 91
Mozzerella Sticks - 5 Days out of 91
Sloppy Joes - 2 Days out of 91
Rib Sandwich - 1 Day out of 91
Obviously this list is not all bad, but appetizers and sugary breakfast for lunch? It is no wonder we have a child obesity problem in this country. Remember this menu meets the state nutritional guidelines.
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: DBCooper on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 03:14 PM MST
The three cheapest food ingredients on the planet are salt, fat, and water. Given that, it's no surprise that a for profit food service would use as much of each of those as possible. It doesn't matter if it's the local school food service, a pre-made meal in the grocery store, or any of the fast food type restaurants. If you rely on other people to serve/make you food, (for a profit), they will sell you the most salt and fat laden foods that they can. It's almost a crime of nature that salt and/or sugar can make fat taste good!
Mozzerella sticks as an entree? Sheesh!
Jim B., Do you have a link to the state nutritional guidelines for schools? I'd like to review them.
Also, in any of your research, have you come across the actual nutritive values for each of these entrees? The same way you can look at the nutrition label on a can of soup at the store, or look up the nutritional content of a piece of pizza at a nationwide pizza chain, shouldn't we also be able to view that info for school lunches?
BTW, how does OASD Food Service know that these entrees meet the state nutritional guidelines, since they do not have a state licensed dietitian on staff? Beuhler? Anybody?
While not germaine to the discussion on OASD proper, we should all also be aware of what exactly is IN some of the stuff being fed either to us or to our kids. So far, we can still outproduce the world in natural cheese, yet somehow it is necessary to patent a process to make cheese out of something besides milk!
http://www.themilkweed.com/Feature_05_Dec.pdf
http://www.themilkweed.com/Feature_06_Jan.pdf
mmm, nutritious and delicious huh?
http://www.themilkweed.com/MPC_Insert.pdf
DBCooper
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 19 2006 @ 06:50 PM MST
Do you even know the make-up of what is in the "hot dog" served for lunch? Do you know the fat content? Nutritionists will tell you anything in moderation is fine. I really don't think any of the servings you listed are excessive.
And the principal at the Charter school wants to do away with peanut butter and jelly and lunchmeat and only serve tuna on a pita for field trips, aside from the issue of keeping tuna safe in Sept. and May, how many kids would really eat that? You know you do have to think about what children will eat, if you serve food and they don't eat it then aren't getting any nutrition at all. School lunches are not mandatory so if you don't like it don't have your child eat it but clearly many parents don't have a problem with what is served, if they did they would pack a lunch.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 09:23 AM MST
Oh Anonymous,
If you are trying to argue that Hot Dogs are nutritious, well I guess I am wasting my time. Of course anything in moderation is ok, but the majority of that list is fat filled, processed food. Pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, mozzerella sticks, french toast, nachos, and tacos are not foods that should be served in the frequency they are at school. I am sure they are easy to make, but that is not the point. I have never heard the principal mention the Tuna thing, but the PB&J they serve at the school is a packaged product made by smuckers. Have you read the nutrition panel? Not good. Lunch meats would be a welcome addition to the menu in my opinion.
You mention the fact that kids won't eat certain foods? The whole point of this Charter is to initiate good patterns of eating behavior and education so they know that nachos is not a good thing to eat for lunch! If we start now we can instill good habits that will last a lifetime.
Part of the problem is the attitude that kids won't eat it so why try. Too many parents let the children dictate what they will and won't eat. When I was growing up we were expected to eat what Mom prepared. we didnt get special meals because we didnt like something. It didnt take too many times of being hungry before you realized you better eat what was on your plate. My parents were not Nazis about it, but you knew the rules. My children eat tuna, and actually ask for it. Not because they were forced to eat it but because that is what we were serving for lunch that day.
Obviously, we can choose to prepare our own lunches for our children, and sometimes do. We didnt realize how bad the food program was until we got involved in the healthy living charter opportunity. We are upset with ourselves for not being more informed.
Please state your evidence that "clearly" people are alright with it! If any were like me they just don't know. I have heard many cases of people bringing this up to the district and getting nowhere(see above thread). Just because no one is speaking out(in your opinion) doesnt make it right!
I will never apologize for trying to make life better for my children. How can you argue better nutrition is a bad thing???
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 12:34 PM MST
Jim,
To add to your post:
Hot dogs and other processed meats contain Red Dye #40. Research, including done by FDA, shows that children with ADD, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum disorders have adverse behavioral reactions to it much like food allergies. In Wisconsin, ADD, ADHD,and Autism are on the rise.
Foods like Chicken nuggets are pieces of meat pressed into a form. In order to keep its shape, fat is added for form and flavor. Then it is breaded and fried to be reheated later. Chunks of baked or broiled chicken would be just as easy and more nutritious.
Research by nutiritionists, psychologists, and child behaviorists shows that children need to be introduced to a new food 15 times before determining if a child likes or dislikes a food.
Bottom line is still why is there going to be a charter school to benefit a couple dozen kids by teaching nutrition and healthy living, and not a district wide program to accomplish the same for all the kids?
Michelle Monte
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 01:01 PM MST
Merrill Elementary has more than a "couple dozen" kids. I would think you would know that.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Jim B. on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 03:40 PM MST
Michelle,
Again, the reason Merrill was chosen was because of the principal doing all the leg work and submitting a lengthy proposal. Other schools in the district could have done the same thing. If this works for Merrill, I am sure other schools and parents at other schools will want it.
Jim B.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 05:44 PM MST
Is that not why we have an administration? Maybe they could colaborate on Tuesday to give our kids better nutrition.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 06:08 PM MST
That is the exact purpose of Charter Schools, try something new, see how it works and then diseminate the idea.
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 20 2006 @ 06:20 PM MST
Thank you, Jim.
It is nice to know someone doesn't expect me to have ALL the answers and is willing to share some.
Michelle
OASD Irony
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:23 PM MST
Again, a Charter School is an "experimental" apporach to try new ideas. If giving kids more nutricious foods to see if it might increase their ability to learn isn't credible then I DON'T know what a credible idea is.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 8:19 AM
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