Photo by Ash Daniel
When it comes to making healthy food choices, Richmond Public Schools students will soon be able to help themselves.
RPS plans to install self-serve fruit and vegetable bars in all 26 elementary schools district-wide, says Susan Roberson, director of school nutrition services. William Fox Elementary in the Fan served as the “model school” for the bars.
“We know we can start with elementary schools. They’re the youngest; they’re still developing their nutritional choices,” Roberson says. “In the secondary schools, it is our goal, but it won’t be [done] in the near future.”
Roberson says the project won’t require a “major increase in cost.” Retrofitting the self-serve bars into existing cafeterias not designed to accommodate them presents the largest challenge, she adds.
RPS will outfit two more elementary school cafeterias by the end of the year, though Roberson would not specify which ones. The rollout will continue in the 2015-16 school year.
