Students helping themselves to a salad bar will become commonplace in Ottumwa elementary school lunch rooms.
Prior to spring break, salad bar equipment was delivered to every elementary school and is being installed. Liberty opened their salad bar to students on Monday, while Eisenhower opened theirs today. All elementary schools will have salad bars in place by April 1.
The salad bar offerings are in addition to the regular scheduled hot lunch meal, according to Yvonne Johnson, director of food and nutrition services for Ottumwa Schools. “The self-serve option allows students to choose whatever they want to eat.”
The salad bars will offer a fresh and canned fruit option every day. The salad option includes chopped romaine, spinach, and carrots. Johnson shared that fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables will be rotated daily. For example, students might see cherry tomatoes on Mondays and broccoli on Tuesdays. Carrots, a popular item, will be available every day.
Like the hot lunch menu, the salad bar offerings will be the same at every elementary school in the district. “We want our school food program to be the best in the state,” said Johnson. “The addition of salad bars is part of our Be The Best initiative. Based on our survey, students want more choices and more food. This is a way to do both of those things while offering healthy food choices.”
Student response to the salad bars has been overwhelmingly positive, Johnson shared. Several students were excited to see fresh fruit offered. “The biggest challenge for students will be finding room on their tray to add the additional items,” Johnson said. She said her staff is helping to ensure students have extra room on their trays.
The salad bar also provides an opportunity to try new foods. The initiative goes along with the district’s current participation with the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, as well as Pick a Better Snack. “It’s another way to follow dietary guidelines that support a healthy diet,” she said.
Our staff is thrilled about the addition of salad bars,” said Johnson. “They are always excited when we can add new things and create excitement in the lunchroom.”
