by Helen Hall
Kitchener Citizen
Aramark Canada, a caterer that serves lunches to over 400,000 students at 15 school boards across Ontario, reports that it has seen a drop in sales since the provincial government introduced its new School Food and Beverage Policy, known as PPM 150.
This policy was introduced in September 2011 and requires school boards to limit the amount of fat, sugar and sodium in meals.
Recently, the Waterloo Region Public School Board (WRDSB) learned that its cafeteria provider, JC Vending, will not return to 12 high schools in Waterloo Region in September because of slumping sales. Students are leaving the cafs to purchase food at nearby malls and fast food restaurants.
Vice-president of Operations for Aramark Canada Debbie Jenings, whose company serves the local Catholic board, said that despite the drop in sales, it plans on continuing to work in high schools across the province.
“We have developed a new menu and new product assortment featuring items that meet PPM 150, and are working diligently to target marketing towards the high school market, making healthy choices exciting and engaging,” she said.
WRDSB communications director Abigail Dancey said it will tender for a new provider in May.
“We’re looking for new and innovative ideas on how we can provide healthy food that meets the School Food and Beverage Policy, but is also appealing to students.”
NEW HEALTHY FOOD POLICY
High school cafeteria sales down across the province
High school cafeteria sales down across the province
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