As you have probably seen on television or read on the internet, there have been many changes to the regulations for the National School Lunch Program. These regulations were passed as the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFK). In anticipation of these changes, Harford County Public Schools worked over the last few years to increase purchases of local produce, added more fresh fruits and vegetables to the serving lines, reduced the sodium content of meals and, with the use of grants, participated in nutrition education in the classroom with the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) and the REFRESH program. These programs were designed for elementary schools and encouraged students to try different fresh fruits and vegetables. They have been extremely successful as we have seen increased selection of such items as the children move through the lunch lines.

We have successfully implemented the changes from the HHFK Act and most students have only seen minor changes due to the work done over the years. New products have been added, some other ones have been changed. Most of the changes have met with positive feedback, not all. We will continue to work to keep the students and staff happy. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Please let me know how we are doing and what you feel we can improve. Thank you.

Gary A. Childress, MBA, SNS
Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services