By Ella Rossiter and Caroline Pierre
Nyack High School has recently switched over to a new food vendor, Whitsons, after ending a five-year contract with Aramark. It is vital that school meals provide children with the correct nutrients to support learning, physical activity and emotional wellbeing. School meals have earned a general reputation for being “gross,” which is concerning for those who depend on them as their everyday breakfast and lunch.
The new assistant superintendent for business, Enrique Catalan, was kind enough to answer some questions about our new vendor and food safety in general. He says the main reason for hiring a new food vendor is that schools are required to “bid on certain types of services, like food providers, at least every five years.”
Although this is only Catalan’s first year working with Nyack Public Schools, he can tell that Nyack prioritizes student voice, along with the voices of the community as a whole. He says that last year, a new food service provider committee was formed, which included members of the student body, PTA, parents, staff and other community partners. They were and are committed to improving food safety and nutrition.
To ensure that the food provided in schools is nutritious, Catalan adds that “Education law requires district’s to provide nutritious and balanced meals.” Our new food service manager also intends to create student-led advisory groups, which would help hear students’ voices.
Another new addition for students is the Food Meal Planner, an interactive menu posted to our website (This website can be found by going to the Food Service Provider Quicklink on www.nyackschools.org).
Catalan says Nyack district’s business office is continuously receiving feedback from students, parents, and other community members and is making improvements based on this feedback. He states, “It is important for students to provide feedback, since you are the clients and the ones who eat the meals so we can continue to improve.”