Southwest Local Schools Score "Clean Kitchen" Awards

Press release from Southwest Local Schools (Harrison, Oh.) - All six of Southwest Local schools have earned the “Clean Kitchen” award from the Hamilton County Public Health Department. According to the award, such facilities “have demonstrated over the past two years that you use sound public health knowledge and sanitation principles in the operation of the facility.” Bonnie Berkemeyer, Food Services Director, states, “We are proud of the effort and dedication shown by our kitchen staff and that their hard work and professionalism is being recognized through these awards. Each Southwest Local School is considered separately for the award and it’s a reflection of our staff that every one of the six schools have earned this designation.” According to Hamilton County Public Health, to achieve the Clean Kitchen award, the facility must: have 3 or less violations in the previous two years; have no critical or repeat violations in the previous two years; at least 2 staff members have a valid Level 1 Food Handler Certificate or at least one staff member has a current ServSafe Certificate. “We know that, for many of our students, the school lunch is a time to reinforce nutrition and healthy eating,” adds Berkemeyer. “Our goal is to support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices.” At SLSD, all meals, foods and beverages served at the schools meet state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. Students have access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet their health and nutrition needs. For more information about Southwest’s Food Services, visit the district website at http://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1485211572028.