Young Critics Speak Out on School Lunches

About 200 Hillsborough County students anxiously awaited a food extravaganza laid out for them on Wednesday morning at TPepin Hospitality Centre. The students came from 15 different schools across the county, including the Westchase area, to participate in the fourth annual Fresh Flavors Food Fair.

This year was the first time the school district held the tasting fair off school premises.

The annual food tasting event helps school nutritionists figure out which new menu items to add to school lunch. Students in grades three through 11 participated.

"Having the right food items for all these kids is really important," said Mary Kate Harrison, general manager for Hillsborough County Schools student nutrition.

During the food fair, students are armed with note pad rating cards and were told to taste and rate the dishes prepared. More than two dozen dishes went up to bat on Wednesday, May 22 from blueberry crisp to white vegetarian chili.

Once the rating cards are tallied, school officials will decide which new dishes will debut on the 2013-14 school year lunch menus.

What do your kids think about school lunches? Tell us by commenting below!

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