Students from two Michigan school districts go to food show, taste-test new items

SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Fifth-grader Aaron Mirelez isn't a fan of pizza, but he's in the minority at his table of students gathered Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Arrowwood Conference Center, 5410 Seidel.

Mirelez, an Arrowwood student, joined Hemmeter fifth-grader Jack Booth and a group of other Saginaw Township Community Schools students who were asked to give their opinions on potential lunch food items. Students from the Swan Valley School District also took part in the event.

"I'm looking over there," Booth said with his eyes widened, pointing to a pizza that he'll eventually sample as part of the tasting session. Once he does, with a mouth full of the pie, he gives it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

The food show is a perk for kids who serve on Saginaw Township Schools' Superintendent Student Advisory Committee. This is the ninth year the show has occurred.

Seven vendors, including Tyson Foods, Jennie-O and Land O'Lakes, bring in new items for the 48 invited students to try. The variety ranges from the aforementioned pizza to chicken nuggets to cookies and more.

"I ask them to evaluate those food items and let me know if there is something they would buy if it was on the lunch menu," said Deb Neal, supervisor for nutrition services.

Neal said she considers the student opinions heavily when deciding on menu options each year.

"We use that information, after we compile it, to try to find some new items for the school meals program next year," she said.

The students also take the responsibility seriously, filling out evaluation forms on each vendor and rating each individual item.

Booth's recommendation will likely highlight his love of pizza and burgers, while Mirelez will have a different focus.