DCPS Tray Talk

DCPS EATS

From Taste Tests to Teamwork HIGHLIGHTS FROM DCPS SELF-OP

By Kelsey Metcalfe Self Operations Manager, DCPS Food & Nutrition Services

Every summer the Self- Operation team takes a moment to reflect on the previous school year and what we are collectively proud of, excited by, and where we need to grow. It’s a time that our team looks forward to – having a moment to catch our breath from the hustle and bustle of the school year season. And with this time of reflection, we find sparks that motivate us to continue to build this program with our student’s voices and experiences at its heart. The Self-Operation program is unique, while smaller at only eight schools, we have had the opportunity to build the program from the ground up since our first school started

in 2018. This has allowed us to be nimble and innovative as we collect real time feedback, and pivot to improve our operations, working environment for staff, and experience for our students. It also comes with a lot of pride – our Self-Operation team truly believes in the work we are doing, and we are collectively motivated to always improve. As we reflected on SY24-25 as a team, and as we reviewed our student survey data, there were some highlights I’d like to share! • This school year we expanded our plant-based menu offerings and explored new recipes and taste tested

some of these items with our students on Try it Tuesday! Our amazing Chef Brazil cooked on site to gather attention from the students, encourage them to try the • The team really leaned into our work with the Good Food Purchasing Program – in April we conducted a waste audit at Langley elementary school, we reduced more single use packaging, explored new partnerships with Food Rescue DC and engaged in training and resources for our staff. • We had the opportunity to meet all of our parent community members at Back to School nights in the fall, items and connect the students to their food.