School cafeterias sport healthy new offerings
September 20, 2007
Jarrett Middle School is one of four district schools celebrating the grand opening of a new student cafeteria over the next two weeks. It’s part of a district initiative to promote good eating habits, proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Grand opening for the new Jarrett 12 Spot Café was Thursday, Sept. 20, at the school.
“Jarrett Middle School is excited to have the 12 Spot lunch program,” said Jarrett Principal Marty Marsh. “Since its inception at the beginning of the school year, we have noticed an increase in the number of students and staff participating in the lunch program. Students appreciate the increased selection and quality of food.”
District Nutrition Educator, Adrienne Hartley, a registered dietitian, was also at Jarrett Thursday. Hartley’s job involves visiting elementary classes to discuss healthy lifestyle topics like the food pyramid and nutritional fact labels on food packages. She engages students with discussion and games.
“My goal is to inform kids about good nutrition, healthy food and lifelong choices,” she said.
Carver and Pipkin middle schools are also celebrating 12 Spot grand openings this month, on Sept. 
18 and 26, respectively. Central High School celebrates its new U.B.U. Lounge on Sept. 24. Both 12 Spot and U.B.U. are part of a national award-winning program that includes healthy food choices, brightly painted walls, fun food packaging, new lighting and music.
Cherokee, Study and Reed middle schools will have 12 Spot Cafés by next summer. Parkview High School will have a U.B.U. Lounge as part of that school’s renovation, making the programs available at all district middle and high schools.