North Clackamas
School District
MHS/MAA Spices UP a Sample Lunch
As Milwaukie High’s Waylon Ranson shuffled along his daily route down the school staircase toward the cafeteria for lunch, he expected to slide his tray along the school’s usual options—chicken tenders, pizza slices, and mixed salads. Then a large, colorful display emblazoned with the words, “Where are we eating today?” instantly caught the sophomore’s eye.
“It just looked delicious and I was so excited,” explained the friendly 15-year-old. “I saw the Global Eats sign and I was instantly ecstatic to come and try whatever they had.”
The stand showcased rows of sample spices, and invited students to taste a famous international cuisine from India. “When I saw it was chicken curry, that’s one of my favorites! I’m probably gonna eat like five samples if they let me!” chuckled Ranson.
Ranson, and much to the delight of many of the 800+ other Mustangs pouring into the cafeteria this day for lunch, were allowed to devour as many samples as they liked.
So why was the spicy sample suddenly available to Milwaukie High/Milwaukie Academy of the Arts cafeteria visitors? According to NCSD Culinary Manager Kris DeHut, it’s all part of the district’s monthly Global Eats program.
“It’s one of our newest programs that helps students get some choices and cuisine from different places around the world,” explained DeHut. “We also have a little sampling out here where students can smell some different spices from India, so kids can take a look at some things they normally wouldn’t see, and taste something some may have never tasted.”
Such was the case for fellow sophomore Casey Lester, who admitted he’d never tried chicken curry before he snatched a sample of the tray. “But my friend told me it was really good, so I went up here and it is, it’s insane!” said the excited 16-year-old, who nudged nearby Marcos Espinoza to dive into his own sample.
“First time ever,” said the freshman, “and it’s awesome.”
“It’s so much fun to see students come up and be so adventurous with their palette,” laughed DeHut, who claims she has the most fun job in the district. “Some kids come up and they’re like, ‘We’ll, I’ve never had this before.’ And I tell them it’s alright to give it a try, and if you don’t like it, that’s okay too.”
That didn’t seem to be an issue for most MHS/MAA energetic eaters, who all gave a thumbs up to today’s taste test. And they’ll be happy to hear that thanks to their rave reviews, chicken curry will be added to January’s regular lunch menu.
