Fifty-four third and fourth graders noshed on sandwich samples, drank fruit juices and smoothies, and savored parfait yogurt at Dream Lake Elementary School Thursday, March 30, as part of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Food and Nutrition Services’ yearly ‘Best Bites’ Food Show.
Dream Lake was one of 21 elementary, middle and high schools throughout Orange County that hosted the food show, where students tasted and rated potential new menu items for the next school year.
Students throughout the county tried 230 items from more than 50 vendors, including breakfast and lunch options and fresh produce and vegetarian fare, on Monday, March 27; Tuesday, March 28; Thursday, March 30; and Friday, March 31.
After sampling each item, students cast their votes on iPads. A food or beverage must obtain at least 80 percent voter approval before it would appear on a school menu. At elementary schools, OCPS tried not to poll fifth graders because they will go to middle school the following year. Middle school menus are different from elementary, according to Mark Watson, OCPS Food and Nutrition Services assistant director.
Each school picks its students to participate in the food show, a process that involves getting parents’ permission and checking for food allergies.
“It’s a great little break, especially for our third graders who just finished (state) testing yesterday,” said Dream Lake Principal Carol-Ann Clenton-Martin. “For those who had this opportunity, I think it’s good.”
An extended version of this story plus photographs will appear on page 1B of the Friday, March 31, issue of The Apopka Chief.
