4/30/2010

Patrick Dubbs Superintendent

April 30,2010

Online Survey
3rd in a Series

In our survey we asked respondents if “The cafeteria provides food choices that students like and are satisfied with?”

Not surprisingly that question received less favorable reactions than other aspects of the school district; a little over half (52%) of the respondents “agreed” or strongly agreed” on food choice satisfaction.  This is not an unusual comment to hear regarding school cafeterias.

Our cafeteria staff has worked extremely hard to offer more menu selections that appeal to students.  It is very challenging because many of our students have become accustomed to fast food type selections.  We try to balance appeal with established nutritional values.  The issue over cafeteria quality is much larger than just Wayne Local Schools.  The entire nation faces a battle to prevent a decline in the quality of life.  According to former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Cormona, appointed in 2002, “We may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.”  That statement was made in response to increased childhood obesity data.

Our cafeteria staff is confronted with the challenge of increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables at school to a group of students who may not want fruits and vegetables.  We realize that the cafeteria staff cannot address this dilemma alone.  It will take an entire community to address wellness.  We must increase knowledge of nutrition and physical activity along with a willingness to participate in physical activity. 

Here are some of the things that currently occur at Wayne Local:

In the future it will be important to partner with parents to help assist with diet and exercise at home.  We know that current medical research indicates a low-fat, high fruits and vegetable diet works best for helping children achieve their maximum growth potential.  Proposed legislation talks about assisting with parent awareness of their child’s weight status and body mass index in an attempt to decrease the number of students in the at-risk for overweight or overweight categories.  It is important that our school staff be good role models and currently we have created a district wellness committee that will examine expanding events like our health fair and periodic health screening events by providing social support interventions and/or health education activities in the work place.

The overall goal is to change behavior by creating awareness, targeting individual choice, and understanding we are all interdependent and we each impact one another.

If you have suggestions regarding the original survey question pertaining to food choices in our cafeteria, please contact Mr. Ron James. rjames@wayne-local.com

Wellness is a part of Spartan Pride Community Wide.