Students, parents, staff invited to taste-test new school foods

Students, principals and parents can help choose what schools serve up for lunch and breakfast.
A food-tasting event Dec. 5 will let 200 invited guests, including local school cafeteria managers, taste possible lunch and breakfast foods and give feedback about the lunchroom fare.
More than 20 food manufacturers will prepare and offer samples ranging from entrees to snacks and even some beverages. On hand for the tasting: General Mills, Jennie-O Foods, Kellogg’s, Schwan’s, Sara Lee and ConAgra Foods.
Feedback will help shape the 2014-2015 menus for Gaston County Schools.
“We’ll compile (survey) results, focus on 10 to 20 different items, and sometimes we’ll do further sampling and nutritional evaluation,” said Frank Fields, nutrition director for the schools.
The event, held annually for the past four years, has helped Fields’ department find out what students like eating. It also helps offer variety with school meals and healthier food choices, including meals with more whole grains.
Principals select local students to attend the food tasting, Fields said.
The students’ siblings and parents may also attend. And as long as the event has not reached capacity, other students not formally invited are welcome to come. But they need to call Fields’ office to reserve a spot.
One of the goals will be to get feedback from all ages.
Fields said fresh-cut fruit and frozen fruit items proved popular with those snacking on sample foods last year.
You can reach Wade Allen at 704-869-1828 or twitter.com/GazetteWade.