Ashland University’s Dining Services started a new partnership with the The Learning Center Preschool of Ashland. 

AU Dinning Services provides meals, from Monday to Friday, to kids from 1 to 5 years old.

Julie Brindle, director of The Learning Center, contacted Fred Geib, general manager of Dining Operations of AU, in mid-September, after their previous food catering service stopped providing them with the meals they needed.

AU is able to provide a menu that follows the nutritional standards of The Learning Center.  The menu needs to have a portion of protein and vegetables as well as a portion of fruit.  

According to Geib, somebody from The Learning Center calls Geib to give the exact number of meals that need to be sent. After the number of meals is confirmed, which is around 40 to 45 meals, Geib chooses the food from the daily menu serve at convo.

“We took a look at our menu and see what was easily pack and transport for them and the students, and the kids actually like it,” said Geib.

After the food is package in containers, a member from The Learning Center comes to pick up the food.

This partnership cost little money to AU since the portions are small and the food is already made. 

“We  are here all the time, we have the stuff already in place, it is easy for us to this types of things as long as we are not increasing labor, increasing expenses to the university,” said Geib. 

This partnership is not only economical beneficial for The Learning Center, but also the kids enjoy the meals.

“I can tell you the children like the food, so much better than they did from the other place,” said Brindle.