Waukegan Schools Take a Bite Out of Food Service Issues

New App for Meal Orders

The Waukegan school district is working to enhance its food service for students. A new app allows students to order meals in advance, aiming to streamline the process and reduce waste. However, some school board members have expressed concerns, as the app was promised two years ago and is only now being tested.

Testing and Rollout

The app is currently being tested with a small group of students. It will soon be available to all students at Washington and Brookside campuses of Waukegan High School. Middle school students will get access early next year.

Accountability and Oversight

The school board is determined to ensure that Sodexo, the company providing the food, keeps its commitments. They are voting on hiring Walker Quality Services to assist in selecting the best food vendor and ensuring the vendor meets its promises.

Concerns and Solutions

Board member Rick Riddle questioned how the district will ensure the food company follows through. Board member Carolina Fabian raised concerns about the app's usability and whether students with food allergies or special diets will be accommodated.

LeBaron Moten, the deputy superintendent, reassured the board that the district is taking steps to ensure students receive their ordered meals. Sodexo will hold food aside until the end of the lunch period to prevent shortages.

Communication and Training

Fabian also asked about how students and families will learn about the app. Moten explained that signs will be placed in schools, particularly near lunch lines, to inform students about the app.

Moten emphasized that hiring Walker Quality Services will help the district make better choices for food vendors and train staff to evaluate vendor performance. He stated that the extra support is necessary for the smooth operation of the food service program.

Efficiency and Expertise

Some board members questioned why the district cannot handle the evaluation and training independently. Moten argued that the additional support will make the process more efficient and noted that Walker Quality Services is familiar with the district's needs, having conducted a survey of Sodexo's performance.