Throughout the months of November and December, students at Monroe Public School’s five elementary schools will get a spelling lesson every day, just by going to their schools’ salad bars at lunch time.

     Called the A-Z Salad Bar, Sodexo, food service provider for Monroe Public Schools, will feature a different fruit or vegetable available for students every day.  It started with asparagus on November 2, broccolini on November 3, cantaloupe on November 4 and so on.

     “We are excited about this program,” said Mark Havericak, Sodexo’s food service manager for Monroe Public Schools.  “This is a fun and educational program designed to explain the many benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, while introducing children to some new varieties of produce, too.”

     Among the different types of fruits and vegetables to be featured each day are:  fennel, jicama, edamame, and papaya.  Of course they can enjoy other more traditional fare, such as olives, lima beans, honeydew melon and iceberg lettuce.

     “Focusing on our students’ health is something we do throughout the school year.  In fact, this program will be beneficial for both our students and their parents or guardians.  During A-Z Salad Bar, we at Sodexo also will distribute interesting educational materials on fruits and vegetables for the adults to use and enjoy, while the students will receive special activity sheets with fun games and information created specifically for them,” Mr. Havericak said.

     The five elementary schools of Monroe Public Schools – Arborwood, Custer, Manor, Raisinville and Waterloo – are the only Monroe County Schools participating in a healthy eating activity like this in the remaining two months of the calendar year.  Having healthy food choices in each school cafeteria is another reason why Monroe Public Schools is where your child succeeds.