PCS Profile
Peabody Charter School
3018 Calle Noguera
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
www.peabodycharter.org
Superintendent
Kate Ford
Number of Schools
1
Number of Students
736
Food Service Director
Laurel Lyle, Executive Chef
Food Service Contractor or Self-Operational?
Self-Operational
Partner Agencies, if any
Number of Students served each day
- Breakfast: 220
- Lunch: 500
- Snacks: 260
Percentage Free and Reduced Meals
40%
Participation Rate (among all students)
70%
Price of other meals/snacks
- Breakfast: $2.50
- Snacks: $1.25
Percent Food Cost
37%
Percent Payroll Cost
50%
School Food Mission Statement
It is our mission that children understand what good food really is and carry that knowledge with them for their whole lives. Our meals are prepared daily with wholesome ingredients, farm fresh produce…and love. You can count on it.
Percentage of lunch allotment to which school utilizes seasonal, local, natural and organic products
Over 80% of our produce is organic, seasonal and/or local. We use nearly 100% organic and/or whole grain flours, brown rice and whole wheat pastas. We use 100% organic 1 % milk.
Sample Menu for lunch/breakfast/snacks
Lunch: Baked potato bar, chili, salad bar and bread pudding
Description of Current Food Service Operation
(Choice/Family style/cafeteria style)
Since 1994, the Peabody Charter School Cafeteria has operated an independent, on site, full service kitchen. We serve the majority of our meals cafeteria style. Preschool meals are served family style. Individual classrooms often organize family style lunches through the cafeteria with the aid of parent volunteers.
Is the food service part of a centralized food distribution program or made in school itself?
One central kitchen.
Description of School Gardens, if any
The Peabody Charter School Garden has been in existence for the past fourteen years. Sixth grade students, under the direction of teachers and garden mentors, oversee the care and maintenance of over 1,500 square feet of raised beds containing seasonal fruits and vegetables.An additional 400 square feet of garden perimeter space is maintained in flowers, herbs and native plants.Other grade levels maintain garden beds and containers adjacent to their classrooms.Students collect green waste from the cafeteria kitchen and maintain worm bins and compost piles to feed the school garden.Students harvest fruits and vegetables for the school cafeteria and to share with their families.
Description of Classroom Curricula related to food
There are too many to list, but among the favorites are the cafeteria-sponsored third grade bread making project and farm tour. In addition, the sixth grade students prepare a Greek feast as part of their study of ancient civilizations.
Description of Recycling and Composting Programs
Kitchen green waste is composted in the school garden. All recyclable paper, plastic and metal from the kitchen is recycled in a commingled recycling bin.
10 Most Significant Improvements Made in the Last 24 Months to serve healthy food.
For over ten years we have:
- Served local, organic seasonal produce
- Prepared meals daily from simple wholesome ingredients
- Included children in the process of cooking & serving meals
- Invited local chefs to prepare lunch in our kitchen…creating new recipes and learning new techniques
- Installed a water filter and serve chilled water at lunch
- Serve 100% organic 1% milk
- Began making our own yogurt, which cuts costs and reduces packaging
- Process our garden surplus food by employing food service personnel during the summer
What is something we didn't ask you about your program that you are dying to tell someone?
The foundation of our school lunch program is an on site, full service kitchen. We believe that the kitchen is the hearth…the heart of the school. Not only does our food nourish student's bodies, but the daily practice of preparing, serving and enjoying a meal together establishes habits that students will carry with them for their whole lives. By integrating our school garden into the lunch program, students are able to participate in the process of taking food from seed to plate…and back.
We have a 30 minute video documentary about our school lunch program called "What's for Lunch?…Our School Cafeteria." Copies are available for $5 to cover duplicating & shipping costs. Send your address and a check made payable to Peabody Cafeteria.