Students declare lunch buffet a spectacular hit

And, given a choice, they’re choosing wisely

Ridgeway Elementary School students make their way along the buffet Friday, Sept. 11, during lunchtime at the school in Hamilton.

Staff photo by Pat Auckerman Ridgeway Elementary School students make their way along the buffet Friday, Sept. 11, during lunchtime at the school in Hamilton.

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By Linda Ebbing, Staff Writer 2:05 AM Thursday, September 17, 2009

HAMILTON — Students at Ridgeway Elementary say they love their new school, especially the larger classrooms, having their own lockers and a spacious gymnasium. But their hands-down favorite is the new buffet-style lunch system.

Fifth-grader Peyton Hyde said she likes being able to pick foods of her choice and “have as much as we want.”

Classmate Emily Lawrence said she believes the food tastes better and, by offering unlimited fruit and salads, “we can get more daily vitamins and our muscles can build up.”

The goal of the new setup, said Cinde Gorbandt, dining services director, is “to increase their palate. We are trying to educate the children on healthy choices, teach them new vegetables and fruits.”

Otherwise, students often will eat the same foods.

“We are hoping that students expand their likes and dislikes,” she said.

And while 11-year-old Michael Bowling appreciates the wide selection, he said there is one downside — “there is no ice cream.”

Principal Kathy Wagonfield said she has found that students are making healthy choices. Watching them in the lunch line, she noticed one child selected a plateful of fresh garden salad with her entree and another a double helping of fresh fruit, while others chose strawberries.

Because students are able to choose what they want and how much, “there is less waste and they eat better,” said Alice Phillips, educational assistant.

“I watch them go through and say, ‘I don’t want that, but I like this.’ It’s just awesome. It was a long time coming.”

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