SHS Meal Program
Dear Editor: This is a “clarity” letter to all of those who read the article about the student council meeting with Mary Wegner Wednesday evening expressing their concerns about the breakfast and lunch options at Sitka High School.
I have been the chef at Sitka High for six years now and a lot has changed over the years for the better nutritionally, taste worthiness and the quality of the product we serve. Pizza is no longer a square piece of dry looking cardboard. It is delicious, and I try to offer at least four different kinds on pizza day (one being vegetarian). We have the best Fish 2 Schools program in the United States and we are the only school district in the state to have this wonderful program, offering on Wednesday’s baked coho salmon, fish and chips and Alaskan chowder, to name a few options, which going downtown you could NOT buy the meal for under 18 bucks if not more.
I offer on days (for those who do not know) anything that is on a whole-wheat bun a “gluten-free” bun option (just ask). Our daily salad bar has at least eight “fresh” veggie choices as well as “fresh” and canned fruits that are served EVERY DAY! Yes we get tired of apples and oranges, believe me, but when you look at the low expense it is to buy a meal the affordability to buy upscaled fruits and vegetables is nill. Breakfast is a super bargain for students who come for a nice hot meal, fresh baked muffins, breakfast breads, granola parfaits and, yes, smoothies along with milk choices and FRESH FRUIT. Yes I agree that Pacific High has a great lunch program, but they have only 30ish students so they can implement an awesome menu. I have been a chef for many, many years and if I had it my way, why not king crab and scallops on Wednesdays and filet mignon instead of a corn dog on Monday or Kobe beef burgers!
It’s not feasible or affordable. We have to be compliant with the State of Alaska with what we serve, our portions, nutritional values, sodium levels, fat content and calories per meal. It is a mathematical equation that can be mind boggling and I want everyone who eats at Sitka High, Blatchley Middle School, Keet and Baranof Elementary to have a great lunch experience and not have to look at their meal and wonder “what is it?!’’ And to serve “Real Food 2 Real Kids.”
Many thanks to the great students of Sitka High School and any student that has a question about their meal may gladly come to the kitchen and talk to me. We can be creative together!
Executive Chef/Manager
Jo Michalski,
Sitka High School
