Representatives from Maschio's Food Services presented an update on school meals and nutrition programs to the Montgomery Township Board of Education.

Frank Maschio, president of Maschio's Food Services, and Patty Fragiadakis, director of operations, introduced the vendor team and described recent and planned activities across the district. They said Maschio's ran Chef Days in September for Hispanic Heritage Month and participated in New Jersey Farm to School Week, featuring local produce such as a tomato-and-zucchini panzanella offered districtwide on Sept. 26. Chef Jessica and district chefs will rotate through schools to train staff and host tasting events.

The vendor said it will hold at least two food-advisory meetings per year (one in fall, one in spring) to collect feedback from parents, students, principals and administrators and to review menus, allergy questions and online payment portals. Maschio's representatives said advisory meetings are open to the school community and students; principals commonly invite parents and sometimes board members.

Board members asked whether Chef Days increase student participation; the vendor said Chef Days regularly increase purchases and that the district plans to run them monthly with two district chefs in rotation. Maschio's staff described efforts to track production records and to adjust par levels so students at the end of the line receive popular items, and they noted daily availability of fresh fruits and vegetables included with the main meal.

The board thanked Maschio's for the presentation and for participating in back-to-school events; no formal action was taken.