A new food services group will be providing meals to Lawton Public Schools students and staff when the new school year begins in August.

Chartwells, a North Carolina-based food services company, will replace long-time nutrition service provider Sodexo beginning July 1, ending more than two decades of partnership. Because Chartwells’ contract goes into effect Wednesday, that company also will assume control of the summer feeding program underway at multiple LPS schools and community sites, said Assistant Superintendent Lance Gibbs.

Gibbs said Chartwells – selected after an evaluation of the six companies that responded to LPS’ Requests For Proposals (RFP) process – offers multiple advantages, the reason it scored so highly in the evaluation team’s ratings. Gibbs said the process awarded points for various aspects, but innovation, a guaranteed return to the district, and a distinct and varied menu were the biggest factors in the selection of Chartwells.

“We want a food partner who can do the best they can to take care of students,” Gibbs said, adding Chartwells agrees with the LPS philosophy that good food helps students perform better.

The transition is notable, Gibbs said, telling the Lawton Board of Education in June it had been more than 20 years since LPS transitioned to a new meal provider (when the district moved from in-house meal preparation to Sodexo).

Gibbs said the company offers distinct advantages, to include an executive chef who handles oversight of meal preparation that emphasizes scratch-style cooking. In addition to traditional cafeteria meals, the company offers a “grab and go” option for students, a popular service in other schools that will help Lawton’s high schools convince students to stay on campus to eat.

“A healthy meal, rather than fast food,” Gibbs said, adding the portable carts also can reduce congestion and wait time at secondary schools with limited dining space.

In a benefit to a diverse community, Chartwells offers “global eats,” ethnic-themed meals that will introduce students to foods from areas such as Mexico, Italy and Asia.

Gibbs said the company has another popular program that makes students part of the menu selection process. Student Choice encourages students to vote in taste events to help choose menu items.

“Students have a real voice in determining what happens to their menus,” Gibbs said, adding it is part of the formula that district officials believe will increase participation in the meal program.

Meals will remain free to students and LPS staff, with students having the availability of breakfast, lunch and dinner, and complimentary second meals for those needing extra nutrition.

“All vendors were clear that this was something we would continue,” Gibbs said of the cost-free nutrition options.

Other programs will include Discovery Kitchen, with chef-led cookoffs and culinary classes. Meals will include wraps, parfaits, noodle/rice bowls, custom subs and salads, and lunches will include chef demonstrations.

Another strong argument for Chartwells is the culinary team.

Gibbs said the district opted for a plan that would transfer existing staff to the new vendor. That means the district’s feeding staff has the option to work for Chartwells, with a $1,000 transition bonus for those who do and opportunities such as a 401(k) plan and professional development. The guaranteed minimum wage is $13.50 per hour, with an additional $1.50 per hour adjustment for those already making above that amount, Chartwells officials said.

The company will provide a district manager to direct the overall program, a director of dining services to handle day-to-day operations and a district executive chef, with regional support teams handling human resources, marketing and finance.

Verna Alger will remain an employee of Lawton Public Schools, to oversee the district’s nutrition program, Gibbs said.