A big change has come to all District 203 cafeterias this school year: Aramark will be providing school lunches, taking over for former provider Sodexo.

District 203 is one of 39 districts nationwide that will be enlisting in a new partnership with Aramark. The contract can be renewed annually for four more years before the rights to school lunches are put out to bid once again. Carole Christensen, the Director of Business and Support Services for the district, explained the sudden split between 203 and Sodexo, its food provider of over 30 years, was due to concerns about a decrease in profit.

“Sodexo was making most of its money off a la carte items such as cookies, chips, and soda. But last year, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) tightened its restrictions on the ingredients in the meals served,” said Christensen. “The flavors in the food got worse, and the students started bringing their own lunches. Sodexo soon realized that they would not generate enough revenue to be profitable.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, things have been rather rushed for Aramark as they get adjusted to their new setting. Kitchen Manager Vicky Rossetti is feeling the direct results of this, beginning her tenure on the first day of school this year.

“They just brought me in for the first day of school, I really don’t know anything about the situation here (at Naperville North). I’m kind of just feeling my way through things,” said Rossetti.

The food provider is seeking to gain some popularity in the district, which does not prove to be an easy task. Since all food providers are held to the same strict standards of the USDA, Aramark and its competitors must find a way to make their meals appealing to students without violating the aforementioned restrictions.

“It is entirely possible that Aramark could come to us in February and tell us they’ll opt out of a contract because they aren’t making as much profit as they had anticipated,” Christensen said.

Despite efforts to attract customers, the same menu options have been served without variance for almost two weeks. Junior Gabriella Del Real, a regular customer, is frustrated with the repetition.

“Its gross. The looks (of the food) can be really deceiving. The food looks kind of appetizing to eat, but it is actually pretty bland,” Del Real said. “I’m better off bringing a lunch from home.”