Students perform taste-testing for new school nutrition items

Local schools, according to Haywood Schools Nutrition Director Alison Pyron, are joining schools across the state and nation in working towards providing the healthiest meals for the students. As Mrs. Pyron works to meet state nutrition requirements for food served in the cafeterias, she is holding taste-testing sessions to help her select food items that the students will enjoy.

Mrs. Denita Jarrett’s Family and Consumer Science classes assisted in food product testing for the Haywood County School Nutrition Program on Thursday, October 22.

Participating students were given the task of rating food items on the qualities of taste, appearance and overall acceptability. Scores were compiled and will be rated along with Tipton and Lauderdale county students who also participated in the food-tasting test.

“USDA procurement procedures require that items that are not currently on the school nutrition bid be tested to ensure student acceptance. As new products are introduced, students will be asked to participate again and give the feedback needed to enhance our program,” Mrs. Pyron said.

Alison H. Pyron, SNS
School Nutrition Director
Haywood County Schools