School lunches offer many quality choices

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To the Editor, In regard to Ms. Seaman’s letter on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Newton high school does not prepare food for all the schools in the district. Berg school prepares between 1,100 and 1,200 meals daily for not only Berg Elementary and Berg Middle School, but also Aurora Heights, Basics & Beyond and the Newton Christian School. We transport our hot foods in heated carriers to maintain proper and safe temperatures. We are required by law to cook to a certain temperature and to maintain that temperature throughout serving. We also are required to chart the time, food and temperatures. We even have to chart time and temperature on our wash, rinse and disinfectant water to wash pots and pans! Our foods are never fried. We cook everything in ovens or steamers. This includes our ground beef, fish shapes or patties, pork loin patties, chicken nuggets or patties, ham, turkey and sausage links (for the occasional pancake lunch) and, oh yes, the corndogs! Our potatoes are also prepared in the oven with the exception of mashed potatoes. All lunches are served with fruit and vegetables. Some are canned, but most are fresh cut daily (cauliflower, broccoli, celery, carrots, apples, oranges and bananas). Our frozen veggies are steamed. Our breads and buns are all whole wheat. The fresh made dinner rolls are white. The middle school students are given choices each day of eating hot lunch, cold sandwich, salad bar or an occasional taco bar. They are provided a condiment table with cheese, lettuce and a choice of dressing for salad or veggie dipping. Our breakfast includes egg, in a casserole or breakfast sandwich with cheese and meat, bowls of cereal, toast, cereal bars, yogurt, and, yes, sometimes a donut or roll, milk and orange juice with each breakfast. So, Ms. Seaman, I would like to extend an invitation to you, anytime you would like to see the quality or method of the foods we prepare and serve. Please come to school, put on a hair net and gloves and smile. We start at 6 a.m. Jackie Foreman Berg Kitchen