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Lunch Change-Up

Tribune photo by CHRISTINE DELESSIO

Dylan Burkhalther bites into a slice of pepperoni pizza during lunch at Oakstead Elementary. Students who have grown accustomed to pizza in the cafeteria on Fridays will need to brace for a change.

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By RONNIE BLAIR

rblair@tampatrib.com

Published: February 6, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - Elementary school students accustomed to pizza in the cafeteria every Friday need to adjust their culinary expectations.

The Pasco County School District has made some changes to the elementary cafeteria menus, including shifting pizza from Fridays to other days and serving it less often.

"Now it's just like any other lunch, instead of spotlighted," said Emily Mark, a dietitian and marketing coordinator for the school district's food and nutrition services department.

One reason behind the menu change: For many families, Friday is pizza night at home, so children were getting the same meal for both lunch and dinner.

Mark said the pizza shift is just one of several changes the food and nutrition services department has made to the elementary school menus.

Cafeterias have added some new selections, including baked potatoes, chicken fajita nachos, and orange chicken and rice.

A few items now off the elementary menu are Jell-O, ravioli and corn dogs.

"We are looking at nutrition and cost-effectiveness," Mark said.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218.

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