• KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany
2024 marks the 69th year that the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has been nourishing the next generation through its School Meal Program.
Operating since 1955, the program ensures that our nation’s youngest heroes overseas have nutritious breakfasts and lunches while giving their military parents peace of mind.
The Exchange’s school meal program began in the United Kingdom. By 1980, the Exchange was officially designated the sole authority for school feeding for the Army and Air Force, solidifying its role in supporting the children of service members.
In Europe, the Exchange serves students in 43 Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school cafeterias on Army and Air Force installations in Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
During the 2023-24 school year, the Exchange served 3.4 million meals to students in Europe and the Pacific. All meals adhere to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, which focus on increasing the consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables while reducing added sugars and sodium.
“Our school meal program is a key element of our commitment to military families,” said Col. Everett “Bud” Lacroix, Exchange commander for Europe/Southwest Asia/Africa Region.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that meals are provided at or below cost, and we offer free or reduced-price options to support students and families,” he said. “Our goal is to keep students focused and energized, and we take great pride in the role we play in their daily lives.”
FOCUS ON NUTRITION
The menu features well-balanced meal offerings, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, aiming to support long-term healthy habits.
Lacroix praised the school meal program for its dedication to providing nutritious and engaging meals to students.
“Our goal is to make nutrition a key part of the classroom experience, offering a variety of healthy options that are in line with the most up-to-date nutrition standards from the USDA,” he said.
Olivia St. Clair, Sembach, Germany, Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization president, said she appreciates the Exchange’s focus on nutrition.
“As a parent and active school volunteer, I’ve been impressed with the quality of the meals our children are getting every day,” she said. “My own son enjoys school lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the quality compared to what he got stateside.”
FEEDBACK
“Feedback from students is crucial to the program’s success,” said Sonja Gates, the school meal program manager for the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC), Germany.
“Listening to students and incorporating their feedback helps us continually improve our program and ensure it meets their needs by providing the best service and care for truly important young members in our community,”
COMMITMENT
The Exchange remains committed to delivering healthy, appetizing and affordable meals to military children.
With 80 associates collectively bringing more than 1,000 years of experience, the team in Europe is committed to enhancing the lives of military families through excellent service and nutrition.
“Through it all, we do what we can to make sure our students are well taken care of,” Gates said. “They are our future, and we are honored to be a part of that future.”
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
