By Brandy Young
On September 9, 2022, Magazine School District hosted a “grand re-opening” of its cafeteria services to celebrate their partnership with K-12 Culinary Connection.
Magazine School District has been making big changes on campus to improve the school experience for all of its students and staff, and one of the most anticipated is the partnership with K-12 Culinary Connection, an Arkansas-based food service management company. Their goal and the goal of the school district is to provide students with restaurant-quality food and healthy options on a daily basis. Students now have a choice between two entrees each day, something the district has never offered before.
During the month of August, chefs form K-12 Culinary Connection worked closely with the child nutrition staff at Magazine schools teaching new recipes and cooking techniques. On Friday, September 9, the district invited parents to see (and taste) these changes for themselves. At both the high school and elementary campuses, a choice of orange chicken with fried rice or pepperoni pizza and broccoli was on the menu for the event, along with a fresh salad bar and fresh fruit.
Magazine High School Junior Elijah Ward, who transferred to Magazine this year from a larger district described the meal as “phenomenal.” He stated, “It was the best school food I’ve ever eaten, even from a bigger school like Pottsville.” Elijah looks forward to seeing what else they offer in the future. Superintendent Dr. Beth Shumate shared her favorite part of the grand opening – when one elementary student tried the orange chicken for the first time and enthusiastically exclaimed, “I didn’t know I would like it SO MUCH!”
Dr. Shumate is very excited about the partnership and what it can offer not just the students, but also the community. Parents and grandparents have always been encouraged to join their student for lunch, and now they will have even more reasons to visit. “Any time a parent wants to come and have lunch with their child, we welcome them,” stated Shumate. Although this practice was put on hold during the pandemic, the school has begun allowing visitors again. September 12-16, Magazine Elementary will host a Grandparent’s Day Celebration, inviting all grandparents to have breakfast or lunch with their students. However, visitors are welcome at any time and do not have to wait for special school events to participate.
The cost of an adult lunch is $3.75, and all visitors must check in at the school office. For questions, call the Elementary or High School at 866-900-2001.
