The North Wasco County School District 21 held a regular board meeting on April 24, 2025, focusing on various topics, including student nutrition and menu development. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of culturally relevant and appealing food options for students, emphasizing the need to balance compliance with nutritional guidelines while still providing enjoyable meals.

A key point raised was the ability to incorporate fun and culturally significant dishes into the school lunch menus. Board members expressed concern about ensuring that meals are not only nutritious but also appealing to students, as evidenced by feedback from student representatives who highlighted their enjoyment of specific dishes.

The district's food service representative explained that while menus must comply with strict nutritional standards, there is flexibility to modify about 20% of the offerings. This allows for the introduction of new items based on student requests. For example, students at Chenoweth Elementary requested chicken quesadillas as an alternative to cheese quesadillas, which the district is now able to accommodate.

The representative also discussed the process of menu development, which involves collaboration with dietitians and general managers in the region. Menu committee meetings are held several times a year to review and create recipes that meet both nutritional standards and student preferences. The district has recently reintroduced a popular item known as the "mummy dog," a turkey hot dog wrapped in pizza crust, which has received positive feedback from students.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to enhancing student meal options while adhering to health guidelines. The board plans to continue exploring ways to engage students in the menu development process and ensure that school lunches remain both nutritious and enjoyable.