Jay High School recently opened its brand new cafeteria. Until now both elementary and high school students shared the same breakfast and lunch area, said Assistant Principal Carlisle Griffin. “The whole building is new. This is the first year they have separated,” she said.
Leslie Bell, director of food services for Sodexo Company, said the cafeteria is set up in a food court design students are familiar with. Pace High and Milton High both have the new design, although Jay High is a smaller scale.
“This lay out helps students transition from high school to college and is more in tune with their lifestyle and adapted to their aptitude,” she said.
The food service has changed within the last two years, said Bell, being federal laws changed to a more healthy lunch program. She said all foods served must meet stringent nutritional value requirements.
“Even if a student pays $.50 for chips, those chips must meet federal regulations, just as the meals do. The cafeteria serves anywhere from 13 to 17 entrees per day with fresh fruit and vegetables offered daily.
Griffin said the best thing about the new building is no one is singled out. All stations are wide open for every student, including free and reduced lunches. The only exception, she said, is the a la cart items, which are sold individually. In estimation, she said, 40 percent of Jay High School students are on free or reduced lunch programs. Students with special or dietary needs, like peanut allergies or gluten free diets still bring their lunches sometimes.
“But no students are calling home for Subway sandwiches anymore,” she said.
Griffin said the cafeteria smells good, and it’s clean. “Everyone is enjoying the cafeteria,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Jay High School presents new cafeteria