Petersburg father pushes for better school lunches after daughter sent photos of unacceptable meals

Lunch at Petersburg SchoolPhoto byWilliam Taylor/Facebook Screenshot

WWBT 12 On Your Side reported that a Petersburg father was in disbelief after he received several pictures of his daughter’s school lunch.

William Taylor said:

“My initial reaction when I first saw that picture come across my phone I was like, ‘What?! what is this?’ I thought it was a joke, a Facebook funny meme.”

He told 12 On Your Side that the photos made him realize his daughter’s complaints about the school lunch were not just about being “picky,” calling the food she was served “unacceptable.”

Taylor posted the photos on social media, drawing hundreds of comments. This prompted 12 On Your Side’s Shantel Davis to approach School Board member Joyce Proctor from Ward 5 for a response. Proctor said she was not in a position to give a response.

Acting Superintendent Yolanda Brown responded in a statement:

“I want to be clear: the presentation of the meals shown in those photos was unacceptable. I expect that the meals prepared for students not only meet strict nutritional standards but are also visually appealing and reflect the level of skill and care our school nutrition staff puts into their preparation.”

Three community meetings will address the school lunch concerns and menu changes at 6 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tuesday, September 10, at Petersburg High School
• Thursday, September 12, at Vernon Johns Middle School
• Monday, September 16, at Cool Spring Elementary