Earlier this year, students complained about the condition of the school food and were promised change would soon arrive and resolve this issue. On March 6th, 2014, just as previously stated by Assistant Principal, Victor Schiro, a taste test was conducted in room 503. The test took place during a 2nd period student forum meeting with vendors from companies such as Pizza Hut and the familiar Pick up Stix. Many new vendors were there to show off new types of pizza, sandwiches, spicy buffalo wings, and fresh produce ranging from pineapple, grapes, and carrots to Edamame beans. Packets of Tajín were even supplied to go with the fruit.
All of the food sampled was within the School District’s sodium restrictions and any bread used was all wheat whole grain bread, meaning food items such as the Pizza Hut pizza were not the same as what you would order from an actual Pizza Hut location. Despite this, the taste test was a success among the students as the general consensus seemed to be that many of the food items sampled were at a much higher quality level than what is currently being served at the school.
Colton High Senior, Ian Ramos said that his favorite sampled food were the buffalo wings, because “you don’t taste anything like that here,” “they were tender, well cooked, and they really caught everyone’s attention.” Ramos also mentioned that he felt having a voice in what gets chosen as school food “let’s students know that someone is looking out for them,” and is “good for incoming freshmen to know the school cares about them.”
CJUSD Nutrition Service Department Supervisor, Lydia Beltran told students that the food served at the taste test will “hopefully be served in the exact same condition that it was at the taste test,” when it is served at the school next year. Beltran also stated that among other changes occurring in the area of school nutrition, “half a cup of fruits/vegetables will be required at lunch and soon breakfast as well.”
When asked about supposed occasional frozen or underprepared food in the cafeteria, Beltran responded by saying that “quality control is an internal issue,” and that they hope to do what they can to resolve those issues as well. The condition of the produce was a concern of many students, Beltran explained that “we try to serve fruits when they are in season,” “however, we do sometimes have to use frozen strawberries when they are not in season to ensure freshness.” The students participating were asked if they believed the taste test and involvement in their school was a good idea, unanimously the room cheered in agreement.
The foods that were given the most “yes” votes by participants will most likely become a menu item for the school cafeteria in the 2014-2015 school year.