2/15/07

School food isn’t just for kids ... it’s for everybody
By Brian Jarvis

BRIAN JARVIS/Manning Times
Children at Manning Primary School aren’t the only ones to take advantage of Clarendon School District 2’s open-door policy at mealtimes.

Clarendon School District 2 has a message for Manning: Come have lunch with us!

Though it would never occur to many residents, having meals at public schools is both welcomed and encouraged.

“It’s a good public relations effort,” said Mary Graham, CSD2 director of food services and nutrition. “Especially for parents, because it gets them into the schools and creates an opportunity to get together with their children.”

In communities like Clarendon County, Graham said, social obligations pile up right alongside work, leaving family time scarcer than ever.

“Even if it’s church or soccer practice, it takes away from family meal time in the evenings,” she said. “But parents need to eat lunch and their children need to eat lunch, so we encourage it. When they come to school, parents can also see teachers at work in their classrooms. That’s all positive.”

Though school food has been the butt of many a joke – right behind hospital food and prison food – Graham believes the meals offered at CSD2 are far better than most people would expect.

“We do everything we can to make the meal appealing and nutritional,” she said. “A lot of kids don’t get a traditional type of meal anymore, so we try to provide that.”

Citing low country delicacies from smoked sausage to ham perlau, Graham said the district also experiments with more exotic choices like quesadillas and chicken pan pie.

Coming in March: egg rolls.

“We know what our students like,” Graham said. “If it doesn’t go well, we don’t repeat it. And we always try to do something different whenever possible.”

Most alluring is the price tag. At $2.85 for adults and roughly $1 for students, the generously proportioned meals are among the best deals in town. Options are always plentiful, from main courses to sandwich plates to pizza combos, not to mention fully equipped salad bars.

“We offer a variety of vegetables and use whole grains as much as possible,” Graham said. “With everything we try to focus in on a low-fat basis.”

While most teens aren’t dying to have their parents join them for lunch, the lower-level schools have enjoyed a fair degree of success, particularly when promoted through programs like Muffins for Moms and Dogs for Dads.

“It’s wonderful when parents come in. We love to have them,” said Betty Harrington, principal of Manning Primary School. “And it certainly helps promote healthy eating habits.”

“Just call ahead so we know you’re coming and to have plenty of food available,” Graham added, noting that take-out is very popular. “Just call the school of your choice and go from there.”