Nutrition Staff
Jennie Kolpak, Supervisor
Jennie joined Bethel in 2008. She oversees the School Breakfast, School Lunch, After School Snack and After School Supper programs in all 11 schools. She is a Registered Dietitian and uses this background to provide all Bethel students with nutritionally appropriate meals. Her goal is to promote long-term healthy food choices by providing good nutrition choices at school.
Alice Hull, Accounting
Alice has been with Bethel since 1994. She processes all Free and Reduced Lunch applications. She provides administrative support for all 11 schools making sure they have what they need to provide nutritionally appropriate meals.
New Dietary Guidelines
There is so much happening in the world of nutrition right now! It seems like every time I turn on the television or radio the topic is getting airtime. Today is no exception. Every five years a new set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans are released. Yesterday 1/31/2011, the new guidlelines were officially released by the USDA. Today I spent some time reading the official document. Most of the new guidelines come as no surprise, of course. Of the 23 evidence based recommendations, some of the already commonly known ones are to increase intake of fruits and vegetables (especially dark green and orange vegetables and legumes), increase intake of whole grains (to 50% of grains), reduce intake of solid fats (including margarine and butter) and to reduce overall portions. However, a few of the guidelines that we have not heard before include a recommendation to lower sodium intake to 1500mg per day for certain populations (including children, adults over 50 and African Americans) and a new recommendation to consume seafood 3 times per week. Over the next few weeks the guidelines will be translated into practical tips on how to make the neccesary dietary changes to achieve optimal health and prevent chronic disease. Stay tuned for more.
What if my child needs a special diet?
I frequently get asked about providing special diets for students at school. It is possible to accommodate most special diets at school. In fact many students eat gluten free, dairy free, texture modified and carbohydrate controlled school meals every day. If a student medically requires a special diet the first step in the process is to have a doctor fill out the following form Diet Prescription. Next, we work on establishing a menu with foods that work within the special diet. For complex diets we work closely with the school nurse, dietitian, parents, student and teachers to best meet the student’s nutritional needs.