School cafeterias generally get a bad rap, but a recent survey ranked Old Rochester Regional School District 20th among other state schools.

The survey, conducted by the online content analysis company Niche, takes food quality, variety, and expenses toward each individual student into consideration.

“It feels great to place in the survey. We have the freedom for inventive ideas. We just want the best for the students,” said Food Service Director Caitlin Meagher. “Feedback is so important. It’s how we know what the kids want.”

Meagher said she and the kitchen staff have worked hard to improve the quality of the food at ORR.

“It’s a matter of me going out, attending food shows, sampling certain foods and bringing them back to our kitchen,” Meagher said. “This is entirely a group effort. The staff all works towards what goes out there to the students.”

Improving the food is trial and error, said Meagher.

“We find brands that work, different companies for produce, and constantly taste samples,” she said.

Federal and state regulations for school cafeterias have become stricter in recent years, with more mandatory guidelines on calories. Additionally, students are required to take a fruit or vegetable, whether they want one or not. And the rules aren’t exactly static.

“It can get confusing,” says Meagher, “The state will change the regulations, then the USDA standards will override them, changing them all over again.”

In spite of unpredictable regulations, Meagher and her team have been commended for improving the menu.

“The food quality has definitely improved,” said Mike Parker, ORR High School vice principal. “They offer varieties of healthy and tasty foods. The kids appreciate it.”

With a spot on the statewide survey and continuously happy customers, the ORR cafeteria staff isn’t getting too comfortable.

“We are always looking to work locally. Also wanting to cut back on the disposables and go more environmentally friendly,” says Meagher.