Kristi Obbink

Food Services Director, Portland (OR) Public Schools

“The practice of assigning administrative responsibility for all vending in a school system to the SFA is a must. With wellness policies, etc., the foodservice director should be the go-to person for all foodservice on a campus.

“In the past, we had principals and even custodians negotiating. By centralizing authority with the FSD, the district has more control over these contracts.”

Beverly Girard

Director, Food and Nutrition Services, Sarasota County (FL) Public Schools

““There is a strong push for better nutrition across every campus, and that fits very well with schools having more authority over vending programs. And as our labor and benefit costs continue to increase, this could be a lower cost way to add serving lines without increasing staff.