Event will feature student chefs, free health services and fun family activities
In an effort to encourage healthy, active lifestyles, the Houston Independent School District’s Food Services Department is hosting its inaugural Community Health and Wellness Festival on September 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Forest High School, 10725 Mesa Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
Kellie Karavias, a culinary arts teacher and garden educator at Gregory-Lincoln Education Center, who teachers her students how to grow, harvest and cook healthy foods, has been highlighted as a Food Revolution Hero on Chef Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution website. “Food Heroes” are people across the country who combine their passion for food with innovative ways to promote fresh, healthy foods in their communities.
“One out of three kids is obese, because they are living on chips and fast food,” Karavias said. “If they make a big enough garden, they can feed their entire family.” Her culinary program begins with the organic school garden, where science, math, nutrition, reading, and physical activity are integrated into lesson plans. It continues in the “culinary classroom,” where students produce nutritious meals in a safe, kid-friendly environment. The students also market and sell their produce to Whole Kids Farmers Markets at Whole Foods Market—Montrose.
HISD Food Services will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday
After giving the cafeteria dining area and kitchen a complete makeover, students at North Forest High School will get to enjoy four new build-your-own dining stations and celebrate their cafeteria’s new look during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 30at 10 a.m. at 10725 Mesa Drive.
“The new build-your-own dining stations increase our variety of offerings to students and encourage them to be creative while eating healthy versions of their favorite meals,” HISD Food Services Senior Administrator Brian Giles said. “Each station offers fresh vegetables, lean and low-fat proteins and whole grain bread options.”
Earlier this summer, North Forest High School students participated in focus groups and provided feedback on the type of school lunch experience they would like to have. Their feedback helped HISD Food Services develop lunch experiences to meet their campus’ needs.
North Forest High School students can now order their lunch from the following dining brands:
“The revamped cafeteria allows students to enjoy their favorite foods created their own way, while refueling physically and emotionally to meet the challenges of the day,” said North Forest Principal Pamela Farinas. “I am pleased with the work of HISD Food Services to improve the kitchen conditions, eating environment and food for the students at North Forest High School.”
Eighty-seven new dining brand stations have been implemented in high schools throughout the district since last fall, providing flavor and variety to more than 30,000 students.
When the first lunch bell rang at North Forest High School, hungry students filled the cafeteria and noticed that the walls were a little brighter and there were more food choices than last year. For the first few minutes, students walked around trying to figure out what to order.
Over the summer, HISD Food Services completely overhauled the cafeteria and menu offerings in the former North Forest ISD school. “I like how the lines are set-up with different things to choose from,” said senior Chanzce Jones. “The food tastes better than last year, and I’m glad to hear it will be different every day.” Students who were accustomed to seeing the same items daily can now choose from four dining choices developed by HISD Food Services/ARAMARK Education.
HISD Food Services held an in-service training Aug. 19 to discuss new processes and recipes for the upcoming school year, and three days later the facility was booming. Production began in the bakery, where thousands of muffins and rolls were cooked and packaged for delivery during the first week of school. Work also began on preparing and cooking menu items for the return of students.
Food service vendors interested in learning more about business opportunities with the Houston Independent School District and meeting potential partners are encouraged to attend a networking event from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19.
The event, sponsored by the district’s Business Assistance team for Supplier Diversity, will be held at HISD’s Food Services Administration building at 6801 Bennington, Room 1112. District officials will be on hand to answer questions about HISD’s meal programs, the procurement process and paperwork requirements.
Application available online and at all HISD campuses for 2013-2014 academic year
Families must complete an application for their children to qualify for free-and reduced-price meals and ensure their children start the school year with access to healthy meals.
Families can fill out their application at any HISD campus, at the HISD Food Services Support Facility (6801 Bennington Street), or online at www.mealapps.houstonisd.org.
Application available online and at all HISD campuses for 2013-2014 academic year
The Houston Independent School District urges all North Forest families to complete an application with HISD’s Food Services Department as soon as possible in order for their children to qualify for free or reduced price meals during the 2013-2014 school year.
“Many of our families may not realize they need to apply each year for meal benefits,” HISD Food Services Senior Manager Brian Giles said. “It‘s important that they submit the application in order to qualify so their children can start the first day of school with healthy meals.”
Superintendent of Schools Terry Grier recently told the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) about HISD’s First Class Breakfast Program, and how it is improving the district’s attendance rates.
“Kids that are not hungry, they behave better and there’s no question that they also learn at a higher level,” Grier said.
Click the image to read about the program in both English and Spanish.
Children in the North Forest community will be able to participate in the Houston Independent School District’s free summer meal program from July 8 to August 1.
Free breakfast and lunch will be available for children ages 1 to 18 at any of the participating campuses.