Changes coming to TPS school menus

TULSA, OK – In the 2019-2020 school year, Tulsa Public Schools will introduce a new student-centered nutrition program that will provide cutting-edge, nutritious food options based on feedback and insights from students. The district will leverage technology to gather student feedback in real-time and adapt school meal menus to match the needs of the students in each school community. The new meals program will launch in the fall semester beginning in October.

“We know that our families are counting on us to care for their children every day, and that includes making sure that they have meals that are healthy and that taste great,” said Superintendent Deborah A. Gist. “When students are well fed, they are better able to focus on learning, so school meals play an incredibly important role in helping our students stay on track to success.”

The district’s new meals program will use locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that students have fresh meal options daily in a welcoming dining environment. The new school meals program includes a range of offerings to ensure student have access to nutritious meals as soon as the school day begins with new grab-and-go breakfast options. Students will also have regular opportunities to give feedback on their meals, and the district will use those student preferences to customize menu offerings and make changes and improvements within a six-week period.

“In addition to our incredible teachers and the powerful learning happening in our schools, we want our school breakfast and lunch programs to be one of the many reasons why people choose Tulsa Public Schools for their families,” said Gist.

Students will see immediate menu changes over the fall semester beginning in October. In the spring semester, the district plans to launch mobile meal carts, vending stations, and a meal app that will provide students with menu and nutrition information, pre-order options, and the ability to set dietary preferences and provide feedback.