DOWNEY – Parents of Downey Unified School District students were allowed to sample what their children eat every day at the first ever School Meal Expo and Tasting Event.

The event was held last Saturday in the Downey High School Cafeteria during the afternoon hours.

Parents tasted a variety of foods including chicken tenders, hamburgers, teriyaki, and tacos, as well as several breakfast, desert, and drink options.

“We’re featuring about 15 or 20 of our popular entrees in the schools, as well as new items that we’ll contemplate putting on the menu next year,” said Christi Woods, who works in the DUSD Foods Service Office. “We’re showing a sample of what our salad bars are at the schools, so parents know that students have a variety of fruits and vegetables as choices.”

DUSD Board members Barbara Samperi and Nancy Swenson were also on hand to participate in the event. 

“I think it’s a great event for the parents to taste the food that their kids are having at school, and that they know it’s good, it’s nutritious,” said Samperi. “Sometimes you think cafeteria food is bland; I mean, it was when I went to school. This is good stuff.”

“I think it’s a great idea to let everybody just come and try it out,” said Swenson. “I love it.”