School Food Service continues to research and develop the use of serviceware equipment to enhance the program.

In August, every High School in Palm Beach County implemented the Utensil Dispenser Program. In coordination with Georgia Pacific, each school received the necessary equipment to assemble the dispensers. Managers could choose from a fork, knife, spoon or napkin dispenser to select any configuration of three dispensers. This allowed students the opportunity to only take the necessary items during meal service.

In May, Georgia Pacific returned to replace each dispenser with a newly configured model to ensure the best possible service was provided. Since the implementation of the program at all high schools, middle schools have been requesting the dispensers.

Additionally, Boynton Beach High School was selected to pilot the Forms Plastics machine and container system for the period of October 16, 2013 – December 20, 2013. Various containers and entrees were tested. Following the initial pilot, Administrators met with the manager of Boynton Beach High School to review the success of the Forms Plastics machine. It was determined that there was a need to further expand the pilot. Three additional schools were selected to pilot the machines for the 2014-2015 school year. Each school selected will pilot the machine for a different functionality; John I Leonard High School for vending, BAK Middle School of the Arts for ascetics, and CO Taylor Elementary School for use in the Supper Program. The RFP process for the 2014-2015 school year is underway in order to obtain machines and packaging.