Letter: Participate in FCPS School Food Survey

Last year, the FCPS School Board approved funding for an independent study of school food services at Fairfax County Public Schools. A contract was awarded in January to Prismatic Services, Inc., a North Carolina-based consultant firm that focuses on helping school districts improve their operational and support services.

As part of the assessment process, Prismatic has released two brief surveys, one for parents/caregivers and one for high-school aged students, which may be accessed through the links below. The survey, which is completely confidential, is available in English, Spanish and Korean and will be available through the end of FCPS Spring Break.

You can access the surveys here:

Parent Survey

http://prismaticservices.com/fcpsparent.html

QR Code: Parent

Student Survey

http://prismaticservices.com/fcpsstudent.html

QR Code: Student

As the assessment progresses, Prismatic also plans to hold community forums to provide an opportunity for dialogue on possible plans for improvement that have been identified.

The School Board approved this independent study at the request of Real Food For Kids, the Fairfax County-based parent advocacy group that has been working with FCPS to transition from its current menu of highly processed foods to fresh, whole food options. The assessment is being paid for from reserve funds held by FCPS Food and Nutrition Services which do not affect the General FCPS Operating Budget.

It is expected that the findings and recommendations from the study will provide a fiscally prudent roadmap for the county to move forward transitioning to healthier foods for county students. The study is expected to conclude in June with some recommendations potentially being implemented in the 2013-2014 academic year.

Mary Porter is a member of Real Food for Kids, a parent advocacy group.

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