FERN SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
What is happening with the Fern Avenue School Lunch Program?
The Fern Avenue School Lunch Program was a joint initiative between Fern School and the Ferncliff Day Care Centre for several years. Due to financial issues and division of responsibilities between the school and the day care, it has been determined by both that the current operation of the program is no longer viable. As a result, the existing program has been cancelled effective October 31, 2010.
What is being done to provide an alternate program for students?
A parent food committee has been established to develop options for a new program at Fern.
In the short term, the food committee will arrange a contract with a catering company so that parents can continue to purchase hot lunches for their children.
Over the long term, the food committee will continue to explore options for a school based hot lunch program.
What will this new program cost?
Parents could see an increase in costs. Current estimates provided through preliminary discussions with catering companies indicate that lunches could range from $5-$7 per lunch. The committee is continuing to assess the costs associated with a school based program.
How would a school based program be different from catering lunches?
The committee's goal is to create a school based program with hired staff working in the kitchen cooking fresh, healthy food for students, thereby utilizing the school's own facilities more efficiently. Parents will be part of the decision making process, for example with respect to menus and source of food, and will also have opportunities to volunteer in various aspects of the program. A school based food program will also align with the school's mandate as an eco school and will maintain the school’s commitment that no child shall go without food.
When will parents receive more information about the program?
The food committee will communicate to parents before the end of October with information regarding a catering service.
The committee will provide more information regarding a possible longer term school based program early in the New Year. The committee will consult with parents to develop a program that best meets in the needs of the school community as the key to the success of this program will be parent commitment and involvement.
Parent volunteers for the food committee are always welcome. Please contact Liz Philips at lizannephillips@me.com
The Fern Avenue School Lunch Program was a joint initiative between Fern School and the Ferncliff Day Care Centre for several years. Due to financial issues and division of responsibilities between the school and the day care, it has been determined by both that the current operation of the program is no longer viable. As a result, the existing program has been cancelled effective October 31, 2010.
What is being done to provide an alternate program for students?
A parent food committee has been established to develop options for a new program at Fern.
In the short term, the food committee will arrange a contract with a catering company so that parents can continue to purchase hot lunches for their children.
Over the long term, the food committee will continue to explore options for a school based hot lunch program.
What will this new program cost?
Parents could see an increase in costs. Current estimates provided through preliminary discussions with catering companies indicate that lunches could range from $5-$7 per lunch. The committee is continuing to assess the costs associated with a school based program.
How would a school based program be different from catering lunches?
The committee's goal is to create a school based program with hired staff working in the kitchen cooking fresh, healthy food for students, thereby utilizing the school's own facilities more efficiently. Parents will be part of the decision making process, for example with respect to menus and source of food, and will also have opportunities to volunteer in various aspects of the program. A school based food program will also align with the school's mandate as an eco school and will maintain the school’s commitment that no child shall go without food.
When will parents receive more information about the program?
The food committee will communicate to parents before the end of October with information regarding a catering service.
The committee will provide more information regarding a possible longer term school based program early in the New Year. The committee will consult with parents to develop a program that best meets in the needs of the school community as the key to the success of this program will be parent commitment and involvement.
Parent volunteers for the food committee are always welcome. Please contact Liz Philips at lizannephillips@me.com