District 102 survey could lead to more hot lunches

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:13AM

La Grange Elementary District 102 students and parents are being surveyed to gauge interest in offering a hot lunch program at the elementary level, as well as other noon hour preferences.

“We’re hoping to pilot a program at Congress Park School starting in March, based on the results of this survey,” said Lauri Calabrese, business manager for the district.

Interest had been expressed at the school, and a committee was formed to study options other than the current cold sack lunch and choice of milk provided by Arbor Management Inc., based in Addison.

“There’s no peanut butter and jelly. Instead, there are items like lunch meat, chicken wraps and salsa and chips,” Calabrese said. “There’s not that much to work with to make a cold sack lunch. We’re hoping to find a way to get something that’s warm.”

Kindergarten through second-graders have been asked five lunch-related questions, and third- through sixth-graders were asked more detailed questions. Parents also may access a survey on the district’s website at www.dist102.k12.us through Feb. 10.

District representatives studying the change planned to visit a school in Burbank, which offers a fruit and veggie bar, where students can make three or four selections.

“It’s not just green beans, but a way to get more fresh fruits and raw vegetables,” Calabrese said. “We’d also like to look at offering more salads at Park Junior High School. The goal is healthy choices and something kids like.”

Students this year pay $2.45 for the cold lunches with milk or a choice of hot entrees at Park. Calabrese said it’s uncertain how the potential changes may affect prices, which could rise by 5 cents.

The surveys are expected to be compiled and reviewed by Feb. 17 to develop the pilot program for March 1, she said.