OXNARD : School Official Provides Food for Thought

When Para Jambazian introduced egg rolls to the Oxnard elementary school lunch menu, she was surprised to learn that kids were not interested.

After several attempts to get the children to try the finger food, the school system’s director of food services decided to rename them. Sure enough, she said, “crispy burritos” were a hit.

“This job requires some creativity,” Jambazian said Wednesday in her report to school officials on the district’s food services division. “We feel we have a great responsibility in that we’re training them how to eat.”

Jambazian and a staff of 60 provide breakfast and lunch for 7,000 students every day. Their tasks include purchasing and preparing the food for students.

“We get a lot of our best ideas from the trends of McDonald’s,” Jambazian said. “Of course, we have strict nutritional guidelines we have to work around.” Jambazian, who has a master’s degree in nutrition, said every meal must meet strict requirements for protein and fat content. As a result, dessert is rarely on the menu.

“They need to know that a meal does not have to end with a treat,” Jambazian said. “I feel fruit is a much better dessert product.”

Supt. Norman Brekke said Jambazian’s job was made particularly difficult because of budgetary constraints.

“We don’t want to have to use the general fund to subsidize the cafeteria,” Brekke said. “That makes it tough for them, because they cannot charge a lot for a meal.”

In fact, a lunch at the full rate costs children just $1.50. The school also offers a reduced rate of 40 cents, and to children in need, lunch is free.

According to members of the Oxnard school board, who tasted Jambazian’s products Wednesday, the price does not mean a compromise in taste.

“It was great,” said Mary Barreto, president of the board. “We all enjoyed the food, but more importantly, so do the children.”