Meeting Tuesday on school nutrition program

Parents will have the opportunity to sample what their children have been eating as part of the new nutrition program in the Carson City School District.

A special board meeting will be held at 5:30 this evening in Senator Square of Carson High School to give trustees an update on the food-service provider Aramark.

"It's a little bit of a grand opening to show what the school lunch program is all about," said Superintendent Richard Stokes. "Folks will have the opportunity to listen to changes and ask any questions they may have."

In addition to the progress report, officials will also give an update as to the challenges they've faced so far, the highlights up until now and outline future goals.

Samples of the fare will also be available.

"We're wanting to share a little bit about what the food-services department has become since utilizing a management company," Stokes said. "Part of that is information about how the process has changed and what the participation rates are."

The school district decided at the end of last school year to contract out nutrition services to save money and increase participation in the school lunch program.

Cafeterias have been renovated with brighter paint and colorful pictures.

Rather than having one entree, students have three or four to choose from, and a fruit and vegetable cart is available to help students pick healthier snacks.