The Meramec Valley R-III School District is excited to announce it has selected Southwest Food Service Excellence (SFE) as its new Food Service Management Company (FSMC) for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. This decision follows a comprehensive selection process aimed at securing a partner dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious meals to our students while at school. The District values the important feedback from students, parents, and staff regarding food service providers and is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition of providers while monitoring food quality and student participation.
Mr. Tom Sauvage, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Student Services, presented the SFE Proposal to the Board of Education at the June 23rd meeting. SFE, known for its "fresh-from-scratch" cooking and culinary-based approach to K-12 nutrition, stood out among the six bidding companies. The "cost + fee" model ensures that all surplus revenues from the food service program remain with the District. SFE's mission to "fuel young minds with freshly made meals that taste delicious and provide more nutrients in every bite" aligns with the District's commitment to student well-being.
The District is particularly pleased to incorporate SFE’s successful practices for gathering student feedback, including their "Taste Buddies" program for elementary students, "Taste Trailblazers" for middle school students, and "Flavor Fest Food Show" for high school students. This emphasis on student feedback and input will help ensure menus are appealing and designed according to student preferences.
SFE currently partners with several other regional school districts, including Northwest, Lindbergh, Bayless, and Sullivan School District. The Meramec Valley R-III School District looks forward to a successful collaboration with SFE in providing exceptional meal services for its students.