Newfield CSD’s initiative for healthier food continues to roll on

By Kevin L. Smith

Through its food service department, the Newfield Central School District (CSD) continues to strive to serve healthier foods in its cafeterias during the 2024-25 school year.

The goals, according to Newfield CSD food program coordinator Rosemarie Hanson, are to “move away from processed foods, decrease foods with high sugar content, increase New York state ingredients in the menu and involve high school students in menu planning.”

Newfield is partnering with the Park Foundation’s Chef Ann Foundation, an organization that is “dedicated to promoting whole-ingredient, scratch-cooking in schools,” according to a description on its website.

As noted on the website, scratch cooking “enables schools to serve the healthiest, tastiest meals so that kids are well-nourished and ready to learn.”

Hanson provided a presentation on the district’s progress at the Newfield Board of Education meeting on Dec. 5.

Based on strategic planning, Newfield CSD set its goals in August, 2024. In terms of food, the district has accomplished the following:

• Completed monthly inventory
• Participated in New York Thursdays at least twice a month
• Utilized mosaic by printing recipes, production records and entering production records
• Decreased chocolate milk consumption
• Participated in farm-to-school institute work

Regarding facilities, the district has achieved its goal of transitioning food production to the elementary school. The district, however, still hopes to complete monthly food safety audits at each building, Hanson said.

The district still looks to reach a handful of goals, including the following:

Finances

• Evaluate monthly financials including food costs, MPLH, ADP and revenue
• Update a monthly financial spreadsheet

Human Resources

• Implement weekly standing meetings per kitchen
• Develop and host culinary training for all staff

Marketing

• Post on social media at least once a month
• Develop and implement an annual marketing plan and include monthly highlights 

With primary goals in mind, Newfield CSD has the following additional goals:

• Continue to transition away from highly processed foods and increase scratch cooking with high-quality ingredients
• Revamp menu and purchasing to achieve the 30% incentive from the state
• Increase participation and satisfaction in the high school by involving students
• Recruit and hire more substitutes
• Coordinate and plan menus and tastings 

Hanson and Newfield CSD provided a statement on the “sweet spot” for serving food at their buildings:

“Food is delicious and appealing — and students want to eat our food and will become repeat customers. A sustainable menu balances food cost and labor hours, as well as sourcing challenges. Food is nourishing, wholesome, health promoting and meets USDA requirements.”

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Upcoming meetings for the town of Newfield

The Newfield town board is scheduled to meet on Jan. 9 and 23, each time at 7 p.m. at the town hall on 166 Main St. The public is invited to attend either in person or via Zoom.

The town’s planning board is slated to meet today, Jan. 1, at 7 p.m. at the town hall. This meeting can also be attended either in person or Zoom.

For more information, contact the town hall at 607-564-9981. Meeting agendas are available at newfieldny.org.

Newfield CSD board of education meeting schedule for 2025

Newfield Central School District’s board of education meeting schedule for the second half of the 2024-25 school year is as follows:

• Jan. 16
• Feb. 6 and 27
• March 6 and 20
• April 3 and 23
• May 1, 6 and 22
• June 5 and 19

For more information, go to newfieldschools.org.

Yoga for beginners held on Saturdays this month

A yoga for beginners class will be held on Saturdays at Newfield Public Library from 10 to 11 a.m.

Phyllis KuanYin Chi, a yoga teacher certified through Yoga Farm in Lansing, will lead the class. The instructor also has additional training in trauma-informed yoga.

The class is on the second floor of the library. It is suitable for people new to yoga or those with mobility issues. There is also an opportunity to deepen poses for those with more experience.

The class is for ages 18 and older. Participants must have their own yoga mat or blanket. The class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10.

‘Mind Over Body’ program on Jan. 25

The Newfield Public Library will host its “Mind Over Body” program on Jan. 25.

The program, led by instructor Mitch Raymond, will take place on the second floor of the library at 6 p.m. The presentation from Raymond breaks down how to “improve the strength, flexibility, stability, balance and skill” of participants’ bodies through practices that “enhance neuromuscular connection and physiologic well being,” according to a description.

The library recommends bringing a yoga mat to the program, and participants will work with the library’s chairs and table to assist with stability. The program will have a suggested donation of $10.