Since the transition to our in-house child nutrition program, Zebra Nutrition has been a driving force behind a wave of positive changes that directly enhance the dining experience within our schools. With ongoing improvements and new additions rolling out, here’s a look at how the program is continuously evolving to better serve our Zebra Family.
Expanded Chef-Led Engagement
Our on-site chef, Ryan, is increasing his presence in 2025, with an expanded schedule of exhibition cooking and taste testing. Here's what you can expect:
Weekly Exhibition Cooking: Chef Ryan will now have a cooking demonstration at the High School every Monday and Wednesday, collaborate with junior high cooks on Tuesdays, and rotate between elementary schools on Fridays!
Taste Testing & Menu Sampling: Every other Thursday, students at the High School and Junior High will have the opportunity to try new menu items and give instant feedback to help shape future offerings and try new things!
Creative Recipe Development: Chef Ryan will continue crafting new recipes and change the menu based on student feedback to keep meals exciting and satisfying!
Improved Equipment and Additional Offerings
The Zebra Nutrition Program is also investing in new equipment to enhance the overall
experience and convenience for our students and staff!
Cold Merchandisers/Reach-In Coolers: These new additions at the High School and Junior High will make it easier for students to grab fresh, on-the-go meals.
Post-Workout Snacks: Athletic students now receive premium recovery snacks, including Uncrustables paired with high-quality chocolate milk, to refuel after training.
Amplified & Refined Menu Choices
Based on feedback from students and parents, the program is introducing even more variety and higher quality:
Elementary Schools: Students will now have two satisfying entrée choices a day, featuring both hot and cold options.
Junior High: The “basket” line will expand to include more than just burgers and chicken sandwiches, offering greater variety for students.
High School: A new fresh sub and soup line will be available daily as an additional option for our students.
Breakfast: Pre-packaged hot entrées will be limited to once a week, with a focus on incorporating more protein options alongside the muffins, breakfast bars, and cereal that are offered daily.
Meal Participation: A Growing Impact
The impact of these innovations is evident in the numbers:
Meal Participation Growth: Lunches have increased by an average of 76 more meals per day, while breakfasts have seen an additional 62 meals per day compared to last year.
First Quarter Meal Totals: Across the district, 78,039 lunches and 33,797 breakfasts were served, with average daily participation reaching 1,903 lunches and 824 breakfasts. This is a drastic increase from the previous numbers, meaning that more students are getting the nutritious and delicious meals they need!
Thanksgiving Family Meals are Back! A Heartwarming Community Tradition
This year, the Zebra Nutrition Program proudly brought back the cherished Thanksgiving Family Meals, and the response from our community was nothing short of incredible! Families joined their students in sharing a delicious holiday meal, creating a warm and memorable experience that celebrated togetherness and gratitude. The event was a true testament to the spirit of Claremore Public Schools, and the numbers speak for themselves:
Catalayah Elementary:
405 Adults and 365 Students enjoyed the meal—80 more than the daily average!
Claremont Elementary:
237 Adults and 284 Students participated—40 more than the daily average!
Roosa Elementary:
259 Adults and 243 Students joined, despite the absence of 5th graders due to Biz Town—20 more than the daily average!
Westside Elementary:
251 Adults and 335 Students attended—50 more than the daily average!
In total, the Thanksgiving Family Meals served an impressive 1,156 guest meals, bringing our community together in a meaningful way!
But the Thanksgiving Family Meals weren’t just about enjoying delicious food, they were about fostering connections and strengthening the bond between families, students, and our schools. By bringing the tradition back, the Zebra Nutrition Program demonstrated its commitment to not only feeding students but also creating shared experiences with our community.
Looking Ahead: Spring Semester Enhancements
The Zebra Nutrition Program is committed to growth and innovation. With plans to conduct another feedback survey in March, the team is excited to launch these new additions to ensure the program continues to meet the needs of our Zebras! Stay tuned for the next feedback survey!
Join the Movement
These ongoing improvements wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. By engaging with the Zebra Nutrition Program, you’re contributing to a healthier, more inclusive dining experience for our students.
Stay connected to see what’s next! Follow us on Facebook and download the CPS app to stay informed about all the latest updates and initiatives from Zebra Nutrition. Together, we’re making a difference, one meal at a time.
It’s A Great Day To Be A Zebra!