Food Service
Catlin Gabel partners with SAGE Dining Services for our food service operations. The partnership is based on an alignment of values: Catlin Gabel and SAGE believe in fostering community, being sustainable, and educating young people about healthy living and food choices.
Food Service During COVID-19
We are working with SAGE on planning for the 2020-21 school year, which will include the ability for families to pre-order lunches. The Barn, our dining hall, will not be open for grab-and go or eating on site given current health and safety guidelines. Students can also choose to bring snacks and food from home.
Pre-Ordering Lunches
Once the plan is finalized, we will provide further details, including the cost.
Sage’s Commitment to Sustainable, Healthy Eating
Sage Dining Services offers a range of options for students to select from. They also have implemented additional safety measures to help reduce the spread of any illness. More information is available about their philosophy and practices on their website.
Fresh Ingredients
With SAGE, the school serves healthy, nutritious food for our school community. The kitchen team cooks meals on campus from scratch, and prepares vegetables, whole grains, and salads using fresh, raw ingredients. They use cage-free eggs and antibiotic- and hormone-free milk, as well as trans fat-free oils and MSG-free seasonings.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a Catlin Gabel core value, and locally-sourced food is a central component of our food offerings every day. SAGE and Catlin Gabel support family-operated local and regional farms and vendors, and partner to produce fresh vegetables and herbs in gardens on campus as much as possible. SAGE reduces food waste by cooking in small batches, preparing only as much as needed, and uses compostable products wherever possible.
Allergy Awareness
Food allergy awareness is part of the training for every SAGE employee. Their menus provide enough variety so there is something for everyone, and ensure that community members are well-informed through complete ingredient lists and serving line signs. SAGE does not use peanuts, tree nuts, or nut oils in any of their food preparation.
Typical Food Service
The Barn usually opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. Students have a range of choices, from a complete lunch to salads, soups, and sandwiches. Students are billed according to their selection(s).
Grab & Go
Students can pick-up a range of snacks, including hummus and chips, artisan sandwiches, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits with homemade granola, and other healthy snacks. It is open all day and prices vary based on items selected.
Lunch
The all-inclusive lunch is a complete meal and the cost in 2019-20 was $5.75. It features a hot entree, such as roasted turkey or a vegetarian selection with sides, such as whipped potatoes, broccoli, and milk). Alternatively, the main dish can be replaced with a variety of sandwich options, as well as a garden salad or soup for their sides.
Typical Division Options
Preschool and kindergarten
Students provide their own snacks and lunches from home.
Lower School
Students may bring their lunch or purchase food from The Barn. They can choose to eat inside their classrooms, the Fir Grove, or in the Barn, where teachers supervise the lunch tables. For students taking part in the After-School Program, snacks are provided.
Middle and Upper School
Students may bring their lunch or purchase snack items and lunch. Microwave ovens are available for heating food, including meals brought from home. Students can eat in the Barn, the Fir Grove, or elsewhere outdoors and are expected to clean up after themselves.