Slush Rush

FM Staff

Looking for creative and healthful ways to generate revenue? Raymond, NHarea schools recently introduced a healthful slush machine to its lunch lines that offers an alternative to the fruit portion requirement of school meals. The machine has boosted lunch participation by 15percent since it's introduction.

Gradual decreases in school lunch purchases led the school administration to seek ways to generate revenue in lunchrooms.

"The mission of the slush machine," says Pat Larney, foodservice director, "was to find ways to both create more money in lunchroom registers and encourage students to eat in school cafès."

With five different flavor options including strawberry-kiwi, blue raspberry, fruit punch, green watermelon and pina colada, the 8 oz.-slush meets 100% of the RDA.

Revenue is up, participation is up and Larney is thrilled to offer an alternative to the fruit portion of students' lunches.

"I'm amazed at how successful this endeavor has been," says Larney.

Valued at about $3,000, the machine has been financed through the purchase of the product ($85 per case).

"It's been well received, and we're planning to continue with it," says Larney. "I'm pretty certain the kids would yell at me if we discontinued it."