This week, high school students in Thomas County are getting a taste of college. Students are trying food from the menus of five different schools, from the University of Georgia to ABAC.
Lauren Duplantis, who is in charge of school nutrition for the district, said that the week helps kids try new foods.
“We just reached out and asked, ‘Would you be willing to share this with us?’ What are your dining hall’s best dishes, what do the kids really like, and can we make them here at Thomas County Central? “Taste of College is in its second year, and this year it’s just gotten bigger and better,” said Duplantis.
Even though he still has one year of high school left, Masato Vasaya, a student at Thomas County Central High School, said. Now he knows what to expect when he goes to college.
Vasaya said, “I was worried about how the food was going to be in college, but now that I know more about it, I’m a little more relaxed about it.”
Paige Parkerson is a junior, and she said she has been able to try new things that she really liked.
Parkerson said, “Those rib bites were interesting. I’ve never seen them here before, but a lot of people at my lunch table liked them.”
Duplantis said that Taste of College teaches students that healthy food can taste just as good as food that isn’t as healthy.
“Good food that’s good for you can still taste good, so I love that they’re excited about this and willing to try it. When they say, ‘I liked it, I really enjoyed it,’ I know they’ll go out and maybe make those choices again, so that makes me happy,” Duplantis said.
Parkerson’s taste of college made her feel like she was still close to her sister, who was away at school.
Parkerson said, “My sister goes to college, so it was kind of cool to see what food she’s offered to eat there. She goes to Georgia, so it’s kind of cool to see what food she’s offered to eat there.”
Vasaya hopes that people will try new foods because they don’t always have the chance to do so.
“We always have the same lunch choices, but it’s fun and good for you to try these new things,” said Vasaya.
Duplantis said that Taste of College Week has been a success for the past two years. She hopes that the practice will continue for many more years.
