News & Events

Elmwood School introduces locally sourced, organic cafeteria menu

New cafeteria model is less expensive, tastier and more environmentally friendly

Ottawa, September 22 – Elmwood School has partnered with Michael Moffatt – Executive Chef of Beckta Dining and Wine, and Play Food and Wine – to create a new menu and model for its cafeteria. Launched the first week of school, the new model involves having an on-staff executive chef create a healthy menu, source foods locally, and prepare fresh food, onsite, every day. The new model has proven to be more cost effective and better for the environment.

“We spent months meeting with third-party providers and visiting local school cafeterias to try to find a supplier that would offer fresh food for our students,” said Cheryl Boughton, Headmistress, Elmwood School. “In the end, we realized that hiring an executive chef to prepare fresh foods daily was not only the healthiest option for students, but also the most cost effective solution for the school.”

Elmwood School recruited Cordon Bleu graduate and paediatric nutritionist Livia de Oliveria to run the cafeteria.

“Our new menu now includes wholesome ingredients— locally sourced, seasonal and nearly 100% organic,” said Chef de Oliveria. “While we expected a bit of a challenge from the students, the students have reacted very positively to the change. We’re even seeing more of the school staff eating in the cafeteria every day.”

“Research has shown that healthy, balanced meals improve students’ concentration, attention, energy levels and academic performance,” said Michael Moffatt, Executive Chef, Beckta Dining and Wine and Play Food and Wine. “Partnering with Elmwood School to create this new model was an amazing opportunity to put research into practice.”

In the U.K., the Feed Me Better campaign, started in 2004 by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, introduced healthier menus in school cafeterias. The Royal Economic Society recently conducted a study of children who had been on the new diet for one year.  The study showed a 15% decline in absenteeism due to better health and improved test science and English results.

Recognizing the benefits of healthy eating for students, the Ontario government passed the Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act in 2008. In January of this year, the government announced new nutrition standards will become mandatory for all schools in September 2011.

“I invite school officials preparing for the new standards to come see how our model is working,” said Ms. Boughton. “We’ve proven that hiring skilled kitchen staff and buying fresh foods directly is more cost effective, healthier and better for the environment than using a third-party supplier.”

In addition to sourcing foods locally, Elmwood School has reduced its impact on the environment by using reusable plates, cutlery and glasses. Where reusable items can’t be used, compostable or recyclable items are made available to the students.

Related links

Media invited to sample new Elmwood School menu – media advisory

Sample Elmwood School menu – http://www.elmwood.ca/images/uploads/BISTRO_-_SEPT_MENU.pdf

New Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy - http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/policy.html

Michael Moffatt biography - http://www.beckta.com/Contact/ManagementTeam/tabid/1163/Default.aspx

Jamie Oliver's school dinners shown to have improved academic results - http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/mar/29/jamie-oliver-school-dinners-meals

About Elmwood School

Elmwood School is the pre-eminent all-girls’ school in Canada’s capital. An independent day school for outstanding girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, Elmwood has been a fixture in Ottawa since 1915.

Inspiring each girl to reach her full potential is our mission. Elmwood develops inquiring lifelong learners; creates compassionate, engaged global citizens and builds confident, caring leaders. We know that the best way to develop strong, resilient girls is to allow them to explore, create, experiment, grow, achieve, and express themselves in a safe, positive and encouraging environment. www.elmwood.ca

For more information:

Annie Boucher

613-863-3702

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