CISD 101: Did You Know? Carroll ISD Nutrition Is Fueling Dragons for Excellence

At Carroll ISD, excellence extends beyond the classroom - all the way to the lunch line. With a focus on fresh, hot meals, balanced nutrition, and student favorites, CISD's Child Nutrition team is committed to fueling our Dragons for success.

Fresh. Hot. Made with Care.

Carroll ISD serves up to 2,500 students daily, and our team goes the extra mile to ensure every meal is served hot and fresh, by "batch" cooking in between classes to make sure food is at its best throughout the day. Spaghetti and other pasta dishes are a fan favorite among students, and it's not uncommon for them to ask for seconds!

Some of the standout features of the CISD lunch program include:

• Use of whole muscle chicken for greater nutritional value
• Freshly baked pastries like muffins, cookies, brownies, and croissants, which are proofed before being baked and served with real butter
• Protein shakes available starting at middle school
• Gourmet and organic coffee options for students at Carroll Senior High School
• A variety of health-conscious options, including yogurt-parfaits, warm pita with hummus, and vegetarian bento salad boxes

Recent equipment upgrades have occurred as aging ovens break down. These new ovens offer more efficiency and better food quality, with pre-programmed and automated settings that allow nutrition staff to create delicious food time and time again. These new ovens also have a feature to crisp food without frying it in oil - another way of improving nutrition without sacrificing taste or quality.

Left: Rockenbaugh's nutrition staff receive training on new equipment.

Nutrition with a Smile

"At Carroll ISD, our top priority is to serve our students fresh food with a smile," said Dana Dodge, CISD Director of Child Nutrition. "Lunchtime should be the most fun part of the day, so we always want to greet our kids with a warm, friendly smile and ensure our students enjoy coming to lunch!" 

Dodge explained that while flavor and enjoyment are key, the District also works to continually improve nutrition. "We are always looking for ways to improve nutrition while balancing flavor and making foods kids love. We make small changes as we are able in order to offer our students the most nutritious food possible."

She added that CISD is monitoring upcoming federal and state requirements on additives, including food dyes, and is working closely with suppliers to ensure full compliance when those regulations go into effect in the future.

A Recipe for Student Success

By prioritizing fresh foods that fuel both body and mind, CISD's Child Nutrition Program plays an essential role in supporting student wellness and achievement. Whether it's a hearty, hot meal or a quick protein snack between classes, our Dragons are nourished and ready to soar.

To learn more about CISD's lunch menus and nutrition services, visit our Child Nutrition webpage.