Region 15 Works to Improve the Food Service Program and
Nutritional Offerings for Students and Parents

The Region 15 Wellness Committee and Food Services Department have been working to improve the food services program as well as nutritional offerings for students and parents.  New payment programs and on-line surveys are two of the tools being used.

 This past September, Region 15 launched the Point of Sale Debit System, allowing students to use a computerized debit system rather than paying with cash for lunch.  “The system has allowed parents to pay in advance for their child’s lunch and has really sped up lunch lines, giving students more time to eat,” said Peter Brooks, Director of Food Services.  “Now, parents can keep track of their child’s account balance by way of the internet,” Mr. Brooks announced.

 To view a student’s on line balance, parents and guardians can visit the district web site at www.region15.org, and under the “Wellness Committee” section, can click on “View Student Account Balance”.  Once you enter your child’s last name and private pin number, their current account balance will appear. 

  The Region’s Food Service Program is self-funded, and according to Mr. Brooks, keeping student lunch account balances in good standing is necessary for the district to continue offering low cost lunches to the community. 

  “In the near future, we will be adding features that will allow on-line payments and the ability to view your child’s transaction report,” said Mr. Brooks.  “In this way you will know exactly what he or she has been eating at school.”

  The Region 15 Wellness Committee, which is comprised of parents, students, teachers and principals, have been reviewing improvement plans to ensure that students are being served nutritious and healthy meals. 

  “As always, we look to parents for information on how to make improvements,” said Committee Chairman and Director of Finance and Operations, Keith McLiverty.  “A parent survey has been developed to solicit feedback regarding Region 15 Food Services.”

The on-line questionnaire is available through the district web site at www.region15.org.  With a click on the “Food Service Survey” link found under the “Wellness Committee” section, parents can share their views and opinions. The questionnaire addresses such things as the quality of the food services program, food selections, pricing issues, and other pertinent information. 

“We hope parents will take a moment, and perhaps even sit down with their child, to fill out the questionnaire together,” said Mr. McLiverty. 

In addition, the Wellness Committee has been visiting other school districts to review menu selections and to analyze the cost impact to the current operation.  “We are committed to working with parents to improve services and most importantly, provide healthy life style choices for our students,” Mr. McLiverty said.