The Farm to School food system gets healthy and nourishing food to our kids. But what is it and why is it so important?
From schools and policymakers to parents and farmers, and more — it takes a community to ensure quality foods are passed down the table to students every day, in a sustainable way. And there is a whole community of dedicated folks whose wellbeing is in direct correlation with that of our kids. At each stop along the way of the Farm to School journey, there’s an opportunity to live out values to make the whole system equitable and the food the best it can be. Healthy school meals are a right, not a privilege, and universal school meals are a necessity.
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Interview with Director of Dining Services
We had the chance to speak with Ryan Hurley, the Director of Dining Services with the Central Falls School District and International Charter Schools, about the cafeteria experience at the Segue Institute for Learning in Central Falls, RI.
How many Food Service Associates are involved in the day-to-day operations at Segue? How do they work as a team to support nutritious foods being passed to students in a sustainable way?
Our team is composed of five employees who create delicious and nutritious meals made from scratch with as many local ingredients as possible for the students of Segue.
What part of the meal planning process is the most rewarding for the employees of Segue?
Chartwells management is always taking input from students and trying to implement local ingredients as often as possible.
What dishes did you make to celebrate the Apple Crunch?
The Central Falls School District celebrated their Apple Crunch with menu items such as a Penne Pasta with
Chicken, Spinach, and Apples; an Apple Cinnamon Calzone; and an Apple Pie Smoothie.
What is the experience like, working with the RI Farm to School Network and Rhode Island farmers?
It’s fantastic being able to connect with local farms and being able to create meals that our youth get to enjoy.
What are the Food Service Associates favorite meals to make, using apples from Steere Orchard?
For our annual Apple Crunch celebration, we made an Apple Calzone using Steere Orchard apples, along with Cinnamon apple parfaits.
Graphics courtesy National Farm to School Network
