On Monday, January 30, after years of envisioning and planning, Hillside Elementary school introduced its new cafeteria in the Multi-Purpose Room.  

The food service, provided by longtime district partner Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services, will have a gradual opening.

Resident Dietician Nicole Leote, whose role is to ensure that children leave the cafeteria happy and healthy, created the menu alongside Chartwells' Director Jessica Torres, and she is excited to have the cafeteria up and running.

“At Chartwells, we believe that healthy and nutritious food options are the foundation for lifelong learning," Leote said. "This school has the unique ability to offer a variety of food options, so parents can expect to see new items added to the menu as time goes on."

In the future, Leote hopes to provide nutrition tips during lunch periods and coordinate food tastings.

Click here for a letter from Principal Amy Cazes, also included in the Hastings Weekly, which has information on the schedule, ordering details, the February menu, and who to contact with questions. 

“We look forward to a smooth and successful opening,” Casez said.

Thank you to all who worked so hard to make this enhancement possible.