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For Immediate Release

Ruth Corcoran
(570) 472-0365

DALLAS, PA – June 6, 2008 – Students in the North Allegheny School District experienced a wider variety of fresh fruits and raw vegetables this school year. “We encouraged our students to branch out and vary their veggie choices, rather than continuing to just take familiar items, such as carrot and celery sticks,” said Christie Leininger, Assistant Director of Dining Service for Metz & Associates, Ltd. at North Allegheny School District. “Introducing and promoting healthy food choices and meals is an important focus of our dining service at the district.”

Each day, students are offered a colorful assortment of raw peppers, broccoli florets, cauliflower, cucumber slices and fresh tomato salads, as well as a fresh colorful assortment of apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, pears and seasonal fruits. Students also enjoy a fruit salad containing a variety of fruit such as strawberries, grapes, honeydew and cantaloupe that is featured in a Grab N Go area. In addition to the many fresh offerings, the Metz team at North Allegheny also offers a large assortment of steamed vegetables, canned fruits and fruit crisps.

“This school year we also introduced more vegan friendly options, such as vegetable lasagna,” said Leininger. “We also stress to students the importance of incorporating whole grains into their diets, and encourage them to do so by providing whole wheat wraps and rolls for sandwiches, as well as whole wheat crust pizzas.”

According to Leininger, the dining services department at North Allegheny chooses to bake items rather than frying. Even chicken nuggets, a very popular item with students, are breaded with 100% whole grain bread crumbs and then baked rather than fried.

“We fully comply with the Metz Wellness Policy for schools, offering snacks that are baked, and also low in fat and sugar.” Leininger added. “We also display important health, nutrition and wellness information in a ‘Wellness Corner’ of the dining area.” The Wellness Corner showcases a different fruit, vegetable or food related health concept each month, with important information and facts, such as the nutrient analysis of all items on the menu.

Nutrition education programs at North Allegheny extend out of the dining room and into the classroom with a variety of nutrition programs presented by Metz & Associates Registered Dietitian, Jennifer Reiser, that are geared to the school’s Food and Consumer Science.

“Metz dining services at North Allegheny is on the move every day to improve health and wellness and educate students to make healthier choices,” Leininger said.

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.