Bring Back The Salads

By MARY GAUDET

Published: Nov 10, 2006 12:00 am

Bring Back

The Salads

To the Editor:

With childhood obesity on the rise, it was rather surprising and disturbing to me to hear from my fourth grade daughter that salad is no longer offered as a choice for her lunch at Head Oâ Meadow School. After talking with Newtown Food Service and its representative from Chartwells Dining, the service that provides food for all of the elementary schools, I found that they (salads) are not offered at any of the elementary schools anymore.

I have recently started taking my children shopping with me and teaching them a lot about nutrition, reading labels for fat content and nutritional value, and making healthy choices. What could be healthier than a salad with some cut up chicken in it? I know my son at Reed School enjoys getting a salad, as he is trying to eat the right things. I also know that although salads may not have been a first choice for many children at the elementary level last year, they were offered and my daughter frequently talked about other girls in her class eating the salads, so they were not all going uneaten.

I am surprised that Chartwells chose to completely remove them from the menu because they were not all being eaten. I believe I was told that because there was not enough interest last year, they were not being offered this year. I suggested that maybe deliver a handful to each elementary school and take a âwhen they are gone, they are goneâ approach, but at least offer them. Could it be so hard to figure out how many salads on average are eaten at the elementary schools and simply deliver around that number every day? Or possibly even do it on a weekly prepay system so the children who desire salads as a first choice can preorder and prepay them for the following week. I was assured that one day this month they are offering a salad (the dining service believes chicken Caesar) as a main choice to see how popular they are. While I am glad that they are offering salad, Iâm not sure this is the proper test of interest.

Hoping to bring back salads,

Tammy Marks

3 Sweet Meadow RoadÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â November 2, 2006

The Voters Chose Newtown

The Plastic Problem

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Elizabeth Annett (July 31, 1943-April 26, 2025)

Making America: The Story Of An Immigrant

Snapshot: Andy Ashla

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

<< Apr 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
30	31	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	1	2	3

Log In

Bring Back The Salads

Leave a Reply Cancel reply