Things are getting more delicious at North Allegheny, thanks to the choice-friendly, student-focused meals being served throughout the district’s 12 school cafeterias.’
Gone are the days when school lunches were a one-size-fits-all approach on a tray. Today, students have more variety, with healthier and tastier choices, according to Judy Ostronic, cafeteria manager at Carson Middle School.
“We try to serve the best food, quality food. Think about what you would give your children and grandchildren. We take it personally,” said Ostronic, who has been employed at the district for 13 years.
National School Lunch Week, which began Oct. 11, recognizes the positive impact a healthy school lunch has on a child, according to Jay West, a food services manager at Metz Culinary.
The North Allegheny School District has had a contract with Metz, based in Dallas, Pa., since 1998. The family-owned food and catering business follows U.S. Department of Agriculture school lunch guidelines when selecting and preparing meal choices. The USDA approved free school lunches for the 2021-2022 school year, according to West who has worked for Metz for 10 years.
He knows that providing a good meal is “extremely important.” With kids running to sports or jobs after school, sometimes a sit-down, home-cooked meal doesn’t fit in the schedule.
“We know that there are students out there with this being their one and only well-balanced meal of the day, all the more reason that we want them to have a true dining experience,” he said.
A well-balanced school lunch features items from five nutritious food categories: protein, grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk. All food is monitored for calories, sodium and sugar levels.
While elementary students pre-order their choices in the morning, middle and high school students order during lunch period. Diners can choose the main meal or from an a la carte selection.
Middle and high school cafeterias also offer fresh salads, pasta or taco bars. There are more than 20 main order options for the older levels, West said.
The district will make special accommodations when possible for students on special diets, such as gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. Ostronic said the district takes food allergies very seriously, so students or parents should contact the food services department for any special meal needs.
Breakfast is available every morning during school. Sometimes students grab a full breakfast or a quick fruit or milk, she said.
West said lunch is a time when students can unwind and share a meal together.
Masks are not required while eating lunch, but students have to be spaced appropriately due to the pandemic protocols, according to Ostronic.
West said the food service team sees students as valuable customers. The dining rooms have a restaurant-like atmosphere, with food services offering themed days and special promotions throughout the year, such as Lucky Tray day, he said.
And business is picking up. West said meals served by the district have increased by 33% compared to September 2019.
Ostronic said it’s a great place to work.
“We work as a team here,” Ostronic said. “The job is very rewarding.”
She first came to the NA food services department because the position worked well with her family life at the time. Stay-at-home parents or grandparents can work anywhere from a couple of hours to a full, eight-hour day, she said.
Shifts can begin as early as 5:30 a.m. for breakfast. Positions include serving meals or preparing them. And every employee is trained and certified in food safety, said Ostronic.
West said anyone interested can visit the NASD website for job opportunities.
Diane Dougherty works at Bradford Woods Elementary cafeteria and really puts her heart into it.
“Being a lunch lady is more than just a job for me. It is a calling and a humbling labor of love. It brings joy to my heart to see the smiling faces of kids and adults alike with full tummies,” she said.
Dougherty said it can be challenging some days and is definitely hard work, but she finds the adrenaline rush invigorating.
“At the end of the day when the aprons and spatulas are put away, I have a sense of pride and satisfaction that I made a positive difference in someone’s life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
Natalie Beneviat is a Trib Total Media contributing writer.
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