Background: The Healthy Food Choices, Healthy Kids committee (an advisory committee represented by parents, teachers, CSEA members, High School students, the Wellness Committee, and administrators) made advisory recommendations to the Administration on improving the food services program beginning in the 2008-09 school year. The recommendations were based on benchmarking local school districts, focus groups with Byram Hills parents and staff, and an online survey of all parents, middle and high school students, and employees. The Administration utilized the Committee’s work in presenting recommendations to the Board of Education, and those recommendations were unanimously supported by the Board in April 2008.

Goal: The District’s goal is to provide healthy, nutritious, and appealing meals to all Byram Hills School District students. We are committed to using the freshest products available and serving the highest quality meals possible. Last year, the food services program focused on scratch cooking instead of processed foods, using more whole grain bread/grain products, and offering fresh fruits and vegetables. This year, we will continue that focus.

Management: ARAMARK Corporation is now managing the food service program and they are committed to the District’s goal of providing healthy, nutritious, and appealing meals to the Byram Hills’ students. In addition, Aramark is committed to providing nutrition awareness, increasing student meal participation, improving overall food services and boosting student satisfaction. The Director of Food Service is Melinda Hamilton, a Registered Dietitian who oversees all aspects of the lunch program.

On-line Program: We are pleased to announce that our district offers access to mypaymentsplus.com which is an online service that lets you view your child’s school food purchases and gives you the option to make online payments to your child’s lunch account.

Parents can review the options available and register for an online account at the following web site: mypaymentsplus.com

Questions: If you have any questions about the District’s food services program, please call Food Service Director Melinda Hamilton, RD, CDN.

Phone: 273-4250 Ext. 3970

e-mail: Hamilton-melinda@aramark.com