Kitchen staff urges school district not to renew Sodexo contract

SILVER FALLS, Ore. — When the Silver Falls School District contracted with Maryland-based Sodexo for food services, the goal was cut costs and improve food quality.

As the Silver Falls School Board met on May 11, it heard from several employees and parents who urged the board not to renew the company's contract, which ends June 30. Many complaints included concerns about food quality, waste, and employee workloads.

Food services employee Mary Jo Lundquist said the district used to introduce a wide assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables to students.

"Now it is limited to lettuce, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers and tomatoes ... bananas, apples and oranges," she said. "It is large quantity and less quality at the consumer's expense. Has our small farm town come down to the almighty dollar and not the child?"

Another kitchen employee had concerns about what they were required to label as vegetables.

"Last week we served French fries for four of five days and had to tell the kids these were vegetables," employee Melissa Rosenberry said. "I thought that our district was striving for wellness. What is this teaching our kids?"

There also were complaints from employees and parents about students no longer being allowed to buy food a la carte. Even if they only want one item, they are charged for a full lunch. If they want two items, such as an additional piece of pizza, they are charged for two lunches. Additionally, there were complaints about the cost of lunches rising significantly.