Dear Editor,

In a recent letter to the editor from a parent in the Garfield School District Re-2, there were some misconceptions regarding school lunch. For a school district to participate in the National School Lunch Program, basic guidelines are required. The lunches served each day are carefully planned.

One of our main concerns is making sure the students have entrees that are nutritious and low in fat. We do not fry anything. The oven fries are baked and a nutritious part of the meal. Low-fat milk and fruits and vegetables are served with each meal, using fresh produce often. Sugary items are rarely served with lunch. All of this is achieved while trying to keep the cost of student lunches to a minimum.

With the main district goal of student achievement in mind, the kitchen staff, knowing that a well-nourished child learns better, works very hard each day to prepare quality food for the students.

Getting students to and from school safely, keeping students’ environment safe, and offering nutritious fuel for active minds are important jobs. These support-staff members, who have not had a cost-of-living wage increase in over a year, know that they make a difference in students’ lives.

Please vote “yes” on Amendment 3B. Show that you care about the programs and people who care about your students in the Garfield School District Re-2.

Susan Beecraft

director of Nutrition Services

Garfield Re-2 School District