EP High School to Get "Extreme Makeover" in the Cafeteria

EPHS and Martin to Get Food Service Upgrades

Superintendent of Schools, Kimberly Mercer announced this week that East Providence High and Martin Middle Schools will get extensive cafeteria renovations most likely done during the school February vacation. Riverside Middle School will also receive a slight upgrade in some equipment. "Our renewed contract with Chartwells Food Services will allow for much needed changes at the high school and Martin," said Mercer. Long time Foodservice Director for Chartwells, Melissa Read described the project. "We're very excited about these upgrades as they're long overdue," said Read. The high school will get new food stations and a new counter. This will also alleviate some ADA (disability) concerns such as rail heights, etc. Our on-site chef will be able to do much more for students and we will also include the Voke-Tech program," said Read. The contract allows for $100,000 for the renovation and $36,000 will be local budgeted funds. The contractor will also provide several thousand dollars in in-kind equipment donations. The high school serving area will have an overhead truss system which will house electrical and television flat screens.

"Did we look into the needs of all our schools," asked committee member Jessica Beauchaine. "I always like to see our schools get the same advantages equally," she added. "Yes," said Read. "Right now the priority is the outdated high school and some needs at Martin. In five years we can look at doing more in other schools," added Read. Member Joel Monteiro also asked about increased time for students to get and have lunch. He was assured that Chartwells would increase efficiency in this area as well.

The city elementary schools do not have working cafeterias as usually a gymnasium or all-purpose room serves as the lunch room with food being trucked in from either the high school or Riverside Middle School. When Martin Junior High opened in 1978, its' large cafeteria did not have the capability to cook food from scratch. Lunch was served from large table warmers after being sent in from the high school. "We are looking forward to much improvement at the high school. It will be like an extreme makeover (as seen on TV reality shows)!" promised Melissa Read.

Nationwide, Chartwells currently manages over 550 public school districts. These districts range from one to hundreds of individual school locations. Locally, Chartwells serves meals to over 10,000 students in 50 schools; 35 elementary and charter schools, 8 middle schools and 7 high schools.