As Reed Intermediate School students entered their school’s cafetorium on Thursday, March 12, many discovered a table with an offering of “Color Burst Salad” on it.

As Chartwells School Dining Services Resident Dietitian Jill Patterson explained, the salad offering was one of the ways Chartwells decided to celebrate March as National Nutrition Month. The monthlong celebration was also promoted by the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition Dietetics.

Chartwells’ theme for National Nutrition Month this year is “Go Salad,” according to Ms Patterson, who also said other offerings would be available at Newtown schools throughout the month. She added that fresh fruits and vegetables are offered every day at Newtown’s schools. A contest was also held at Newtown’s elementary schools to further celebrate National Nutrition Month, according to Ms Patterson.

Reed Chef Manager Scott Kanzow and Executive Chef Joe Barraco were on hand Thursday for the celebration at Reed.

As students took portions of the Color Burst Salad, many expressed excitement.

“It’s good,” said fifth grader Hunter Bailloargon, adding that he liked the dressing.

Fellow fifth grader Thomas Speiser said, “I really like it. I like how it has so much [lettuce] in it.”

Fifth grader Kallianna Kalamas said she thought the salad was delicious and liked how it had strawberries in it.

Color Burst Salad included leafy greens, cucumbers, mandarin oranges, chopped strawberries, grape tomatoes, red onion, and roasted sunflower seeds and was served with a lime juice, orange juice, and honey vinaigrette.