More variety, healthier options coming to Riverhead cafeterias

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Within the next couple years, all of Riverhead School District’s students will receive a wider variety of fresher, healthier and tastier meals.

That’s because each of the district’s elementary school will soon be capable of preparing their own dishes as opposed to receiving pre-made meals cooked at the high school, according to Keith Graham, the district’s new food director.

Capital improvements — including new kitchens — at Aquebogue, Phillips Avenue and Riley Avenue elementary schools were completed last year.

Over at the high school, the district replaced walk-in freezers through an energy performance contract. The new purchases will allow the district to buy more food in bulk, said Mr. Graham, who replaced retiring food director Karen Ball this school year.

Construction at the middle school, Pulaski Street School and Roanoke Avenue Elementary School is scheduled for completion in September 2015. The district-wide construction is part of a $78 million capital improvement bond project approved by voters in 2011.