We are proud to shine a light on all the hard work that goes into the important task of providing Arizona students with nutritious foods. Read on about school food service professionals who overcame obstacles, followed through on an idea, or found resources that helped pump up their program!
Coffee For Students??
Queen Creek High School Says, “Thanks a Latte”!
With equipment supplied by the Dairy Council of Arizona® and support from Principal Julie Oster, Director of Nutrition, Dustin Walker transformed an unused janitor’s closet into a coffee shop. The MindFULL Café gives students a quick and inexpensive way to enjoy a beverage along with daily, breakfast offerings. Not only does each coffee drink comply with USDA Smart Snack regulations, they contain a full serving of milk, so students are getting one of their three daily recommended servings of dairy in the most delicious way!
The coffee program has been amazing. Students are in love with the idea that they can come to school in the morning, and skip the long lines at some of the competing coffee shops in the area and grab a cup of coffee before class. We are currently serving around 40 students each morning in a 25 minute window before the bell rings. This has been a great addition because it is keeping those revenues on campus and back in the food service fund so we can invest in future menu items or programs for the students. Staff have complimented the program for offering a sugar free, milk based coffee drink to the students as an alternative to some of the more sugary higher calorie options that the competitors serve.
