After a recent tour of the CCSD Food Service facility, state legislators witnessed how nutritious meals are efficiently prepared and delivered to students in Southern Nevada. This experience highlighted the importance of school nutrition programs in promoting healthy eating habits among children.
The big picture: “It has been an amazing experience to see what goes on here,” Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager said, noting the scale of the operations and the employees’ commitment to quality and the care for the students they serve.
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Yeager was heartened to see the food “hit the end of the line, still be fresh, still be appetizing, and still be nutritious. It’s a wonderful program and something everyone can be proud of here in Clark County.”
CCSD organized the tour for Southern Nevada legislators to see best practices in providing nutritious food efficiently and cost-effectively. They visited the production line, bakery, dry storage, cold storage, freezer, and loading area where food is sent to schools.
By the numbers: Interim Superintendent Dr. Brenda Larsen-Mitchell, who accompanied legislators on the tour, said CCSD serves approximately 40 million free meals to students during the school year.
“I love the idea of what is happening here,” Assemblyman Toby Yurek said. “We’re putting together very intentionally nutritious meals for these students who need it and allowing them to focus then on their studies.”
During the tour, Food Service officials showcased how CCSD accommodates allergies and religious dietary restrictions, ensuring all students can eat safely and comfortably, which Assemblywoman Shea Backus appreciated.
What they’re saying: The vibe of Food Service employees, Backus said, was that everybody cares about CCSD and ensuring students are properly fed.
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“I always make this analogy,” Backus said. “Having that lunch is akin to schoolbooks in the classroom and that’s what’s important for our students in Clark County School District.”
