Over the past several years, the Fallsburg Central School District has implemented countless changes to its cafeteria facilities. Some of these include introducing free fruit and vegetable cart stands, including locally grown food on the menu, and renovating equipment and storage spaces. But even with the new slate of improvements, there is always room to grow and stay ahead of the curve.
On February 5, 2025, the district held a roundtable meeting at the Fallsburg Junior-Senior High School board room to discuss cafeteria improvements. The following attendees included middle and high school student representatives: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ivan Katz, Sullivan BOCES Food Service Director and interim head of the Fallsburg cafeteria staff, Dawn Parsons, and President of the Fallsburg Board of Education Fiorella Muscia.
The central topic of the roundtable was to recognize and highlight the district’s commitment to improving its safety standards. Ms. Parsons stressed the importance of providing safe and quality nutrition to students through whatever means necessary. She intends to invite the Department of Health at least twice a year to have them conduct thorough inspections of the facilities and push for investments to renovate equipment.
Students had the opportunity to share their suggestions for improving the cafeteria experience. One suggestion that received high praise was providing vegetarian options at the cafeteria lines, citing religious and personal beliefs as a key reason. They were also keen on placing a suggestion box in the cafeterias for future inquiries.
As the roundtable discussion was approaching its conclusion, Dr. Katz was pleased to see the resounding dedication of staff and students alike. "While we have had cafeteria related challenges over the years, I believe our partnership with Sullivan County BOCES, our internal cafeteria improvements, our working with the Department of Health when needed, and the great feedback we have gotten from students, has brought our cafeterias to a much-improved place,” said Dr. Katz.