The Food Services Department in the district is lead by Director Alan J. Muhlnickel. I am a graduate of Binghamton University (1989). I am a Graduate of Cayuga Community College (1986). I have worked in the Food service industry since 1979 when I joined the US Navy as a cook. I retired from the New York Army National Guard in 2000 after 21 years of service to the country. I look forward to serving the children, staff, and community in the years to come.

Along with Assistant Director Beth Ann Van Norstrand, a Registered Dietetic Technician, and Account Clerk Caterina Pace. They work as a team to provide the staff and children of our district with a nutritionally sound "culinary delight". With their appetite for for food and meticulous service orientated nature we are thankful for all that they do for the district.

The Food Services Department provides nutritionally sound, high quality food product that meets or exceeds the approval of students and adult staff.

The program is unique, first and foremost because it is self-sufficient. The program does not receive money from the general fund and it is not included in the district's budget. Second, the department provides catering for district personnel. The catering service allows department staff to be creative and show a side of the department that reaches beyond the classic "school lunch" menu. Finally, it allows them to very literally become a partner in education.

The food services department in a school district should be run like a restaurant, if you satisfy your customers with a good quality product they will continue to return. Continued participation ultimately leads to financial gains. These financial gains provide the means for the department to maintain the program and purchase equipment and supplies for efficient production.

• Tracey Daniels,
• Assistant Cook Manager Semmery Edwards,
• Helen Bell,
• Alison Heady,
• Gloria Shano,
• Dona Torell,
• Brenda Wood,
• Marisela Cortes,
• Debbie Fulton, and
• Annie Mae Whitted

• Gabriela Ceja,
• Assistant Cook Manager, Barbara Higgins,
• Sau Troung,
• Rosemarie Ross,
• Kimette Kuka,
• Estrie Stewart,
• Aida Pizzaro,
• Christie Lawrence,
• Terri Gainey,
• Bertha Valeriano,
• Alejandra Aquino, and
• Scott Delaney.

• Eusona Tyler,
• Orpha Mayorga,
• Jacquelina Antonio-Lopez, and
• Brenda McKinney

• Bernadette Di Ottaviano and
• Carmen Farbent

• Georgette Veach,
• Jackie Flores,
• Julia Takos, and
• Josephine Trocino

• Pamela Compasso,
• Teresa Santos, and
• Jeannnette Cook

• Corlissa Smith, and
• Maria Adazabal

• Joan DeFraia, and
• Lori Meddaugh

• Loretta Martin, and
• Ilinka Pavic

Finally, the department has a full-time Courier Delgado Barnes Sr. He is responsible for the daily delivery of food and supplies to the buildings.

The consistency, high-quality and overall performance of the department is solely possible due to the continued support of Food Services staff. The department could not operate without their dedication and commitment to the program. Together they work to make children realize the importance of sound nutrition and the effect of a safe and relaxed environment during meal time. They believe it is important to offer a variety of choices to the children and allow them the opportunity to decide what type of meal they would like for the day. The department depends on continued reinforcement from faculty and staff members when initiating new and different items.

The department works in conjunction with the superintendent, building principals, teachers, and building PTAs to reward students for academic achievement, good behavior, special contests and perfect attendance. We arrange breakfast parties, ice cream parties, and have created coupons and certificates to emphasize the importance of good behavior, good grades and effort.

The Food Services Department is involved with several community related projects. Some of these include the After School Programs at Clinton, Columbus, Morse, Krieger, Warring, Poughkeepsie High School and Poughkeepsie Middle School, the Even Start Family Literacy Program, and the Summer Feeding Program. These programs allow the department to provide meals, snacks and drinks to children and adults that need services beyond that of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

Food Services Department

Poughkeepsie High School

70 Forbus Street

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603