by Emmy Kirkham
New Prairie has hired a new food service director, Mike Hale, who will be upgrading the cafeteria by introducing more snacks and more options with the a la carte system.
Students may notice more options, such as pudding cups, assortments of chips and drinks, and a new set up for “Taco Tuesday.”
"We’re thinking about looking at the menu itself and what we’re offering on a regular basis,” Hale stated.
Along with more food options, there is a new option for unwanted food. A “sharing table” was introduced to students within the past month. The table is for students to place any food, still wrapped, that they do not want. Anyone can take food from the table to eat.
Senior Bailey Lenig believed the sharing table is a good idea, especially for students who may have a late practice or activity, or just don’t feel like they had enough to eat during lunch.
The cafeteria has updated for students who do not buy lunch from the school by providing microwaves.
“I’m really glad there’s microwaves,” Lenig said. “It’s nice if you bring something from home that you want warmed up, but don’t know a teacher who has a microwave.”
Senior Morgan Phillips also thought the microwaves were a great addition for the students. She personally uses them and said they make it easier to eat certain foods at school, such as macaroni and cheese cups.
Recently, students may have seen surveys on Schoology asking for opinions on new options in the cafeteria, such as hummus and walking tacos.
“We’re going to survey through Schoology and start asking what the student body would like to see us have,” Hale explained. “Then we will determine the many changes we’re going to make.”
Hale hopes to get positive feedback from students about new ideas brought to the cafeteria, but also hopes to get information if students dislike them.
While there are many new options, there has been talk of what students still want to see in the cafeteria. Junior Ella Jasnieski suggested soda and more pizza options, while Lenig suggested a salad bar. She said she would like to choose what is in her salad, instead of it being already mixed.
“That’s why I’m so open to communication with the student body,” Hale said.
Students are able to make suggestions by emailing Mike Hale or Amy Bradburn, the food service secretary, at hscafe@npusc.k12.in.us, or contacting either of them through Schoology.
The changes in the cafeteria will be ongoing, while the director presents new ideas to his superiors and through Schoology for the students’ opinions.