How Are Those Italian Dunkers? Taste Test for Woodbury’s Red Rock Elementary

As South Washington County Schools carries out changes to adhere to new federal guidelines for school lunches, students at Red Rock Elementary on Wednesday got to give their feedback on new whole-grain Italian dunkers.

Schwan’s brought its pizza boats to the Woodbury school, and other taste testing sessions will likely be held at other schools before a vendor is chosen, said Kristine Iturrino, cook manager at Red Rock.

“They really had fun with it,” she said of the students, who for the most part liked the offering. “And they really appreciate that they have a say.”

One hundred percent of grains served in District 833 will be whole grain by the 2014-15 school year.

Some changes—which also put limits on salt and fat—have already been implemented in area schools. The guidelines are being phased in.

The district has been “very prepared” for the new guidelines, Iturrino said, but the challenge has been getting vendors to change their recipes to meet the changes.

At Red Rock on Wednesday, students spoke with district and company officials about the dunker.

“So far, the kids have enjoyed it,” Iturrino said. “It has a little more flavor than what we’re serving, in my opinion.”

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