Mayor and Chancellor to Outsource School Cafeteria Food

DC School Chancellor Michelle Rhee and Mayor Adrian Fenty are turning to the private sector to prepare school cafeteria meals. They point to the hugh losses now sustained by the DC schools in house operation. They also cite the lack of quality-nutritious meals and absence of student participation in the free lunch program.

Here's part of the official release;

In Fiscal Year 2006, DCPS' Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) provided more than 8.8 million breakfasts, lunches and snacks to DCPS students at a net loss of $9.5 million. In fact, OFNS is projected to lose $10.8 in Fiscal Year 2007 and $11.6 in Fiscal Year 2008. Less than 40 percent of DCPS high school students eat school provided lunch. Most urban schools districts maintain participation rates above 70 percent.

Currently, OFNS serves pre-plated meals to elementary students while high schools prepare food onsite. However, many DCPS students say they don't take part because they simply aren't satisfied with the taste and quality of the meals and are seeking other options.

"The Mayor and I want to introduce students to a variety of foods to help train their palates to choose healthier foods for the rest of their lives," said Chancellor Rhee. "It is part of what a well-rounded education should offer. Good nutrition can certainly help enhance academic achievement."

They'll take bids and consider proposals which must include keeping 222 Cafeteria employees...is that the entire number?