July 16, 2021
There will be exciting new menu options when students return for the 2021-2022 school year. Nachos with choice of toppings at high schools, a made-to-order sandwich bar at middle schools, and a salad entree option at elementary schools are just some of the new choices coming to school cafeterias.
Members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council met at Atascocita High School to sample new food options that were based on input from students.
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council provided input on the need to change school meals for breakfast and lunch and presented its findings to district leadership.
“These new changes are great steps forward for Humble ISD as a whole,” Hillary Mac, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council member and Humble High School student, said. “Feeling energized after a fulfilling meal will really help encourage the climate in a teaching environment.”
In 2020, Philadelphia-based Aramark Corporation began overseeing school meal operations for the district with the intention of revamping menus and options for students. All Humble ISD Child Nutrition staff members remained employed with the district. Aramark manages the design of the district’s food service operations. Humble ISD employees staff food service operations.
“We want more ‘made from scratch’ options and customizable items for school menus,” Brian Achilles, Humble ISD Child Nutrition Director, said.
The goal is to attract and keep students coming to the serving counter in Humble ISD’s cafeterias with menu items made from high-quality ingredients, all of which conform to federal requirements. Members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council met at Atascocita High School to sample new food options based on input from students. “They really listened to what matters to us when and custom made soft tacos with ground beef, chicken fajita, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and choice of salsa. Another station features “comfort foods” like mashed potatoes topped with popcorn chicken and cream gravy, fries, mixed vegetables, baked potatoes and made-to-order burgers. A pizza bar features a variety of freshly made pizzas on whole wheat crust. High schools will have an additional themed menu concept every Tuesday and Thursday with one made-to-order option from Asian, Italian, tossed wings, mashed potato bowl, or baked potato. Food choices for elementary students will be more focused, with three daily options based on the popularity of menu items while also including healthier choices like fresh salads.
“Many students would bring their own lunch due to the lack of interest in the choices,“ Bryce Hobbs, a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and student at Atascocita High School, said. “The new options are really exciting and are a game changer.”
Serving more than 3.6 million meals per school year, Humble ISD Child Nutrition Services is one of the largest support service departments in the school district. The department is a self-funded program and does not receive funds from local property taxes.
A sandwich bar complete with choice of bread, meats, cheeses, vegetable toppings, and condiments is ready to serve students with made-to-order sandwiches.
A Tex-Mex station offers a variety of made-to-order options.