I am absolutely thrilled to step into a new role this school year as your Food Service Director! Many of you already know me from my time as a Paraeducator at the middle school. Transitioning from the classroom to the kitchen is an exciting step, and I am so grateful to continue supporting our students and staff in this new capacity.
This year, we are working to expand our partnership with local agricultural providers to bring more farm-to-school items directly to our students’ plates, by utilizing fresh and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. We will also be working on phasing in stricter limits on added sugars and lower sodium levels aligned with upcoming federal guidelines.
As we start the school year, October marks National Farm to School Month, and we are kicking it off on October 7th with Taste Washington Day! This is an annual event that celebrates the deep connections between local agriculture and school cafeterias. Please join our students on this day, by simultaneously biting into a crisp, Washington-grown apple as we celebrate the local farmers who feed us! It goes without saying that a successful school meal program relies on our entire school community and our mission in the cafeteria goes hand-in-hand with the work you do in the classroom, on the sports field, and throughout our buildings.
Our goal is to ensure that every student has access to fresh, nutritious meals that fuel their minds and bodies for a full day of growth and achievement. When teachers and staff speak enthusiastically about trying fresh, local foods, students are much more eager to try them too.
I am filled with excitement and gratitude as we begin this new school year together.
Jamie Bridgman
Food Service Director