Dare County Schools

Students in nine district schools helped to evaluate potential new products being considered for school cafeterias by Child Nutrition.  Samples of frozen fruit smoothies and 100% fruit juices were tested on different dates in January and February, noted CN Director Carol Sykes, MS, SNS.  "Students were provided with response forms and samples.  They tasted the products and gave their opinions."

Dare County Schools Child Nutrition holds membership in the North Carolina Child Nutrition Procurement Alliance.  The purpose of the Alliance is to increase purchase power to lower food costs.  "Member school districts assist with evaluating possible new products and brands.  If products are found satisfactory and meet additional standards," Sykes explains, "they are added to the next invitation to bid. "The North Carolina Child Nutrition Alliance has really helped smaller school districts by setting product standards, building volume for better pricing, involving more food distributors for bidding competition, and better educating members on procurement and products."

Here, First Flight Elementary first graders Madison Pugh, Kate Hamilton and Susie Hala with FFES Child Nutrition Manager, Diana Virgil. Madison, Kate and Susie participate in FFES' After School Enrichment Program.  ASEP students and staff helped to conduct this round of testing on January 20, 2011 in cooperation with Child Nutrition.