Published: April 25, 2006 12:30 am      

Parents can control schoolchildren’s diets

Did your child purchase chips for lunch today? Are parents upset because of the choices their children are making in the school cafeteria?

The Meridian Public School District has an automated system by LunchByte Systems called “NutriKids,” which allows parents to set restrictions concerning the lunch choices their children get. If a child has food-related allergies or requires a special diet, his parents may contact Donna Freyaldenhoven, food service director, at the central office with a list of restricted foods from the child’s dietitian or doctor. Food Services will list these restrictions on the child’s record. When that child gives his name (elementary) or puts in his Social Security number (middle through high school), the restriction will come up with his name.

A parent who does not want his child to purchase chips can request that restriction be placed on the child’s account. If a child is only allowed to buy chips or ice cream once or twice a week, that can be put in the child’s record as well. Every time the child’s name is put in for lunch, the special request or restriction pops up. Children who make a wrong choice will be instructed by the cashier to put the restricted item back and make another selection.

NutriKids allows parents to set up a prepaid lunch account by the week, month, semester or year so that the child does not have to carry money. If requested at the central office by the parent, students may purchase extra servings of all meal items, canned juices, ice cream, water and chips from their account at meal time instead of paying for those items daily. Chips are only sold in the secondary schools.

Food Services personnel encourage parents to contact them with any special requests. We want parents relaxed and enlightened about the choices their children make in the school cafeteria.

Please contact Donna or Tijuana at (601) 484-4929 or (601) 484-4929 for more information.



Robert M. Markham

Meridian Public School District

Meridian