Schools' food leader leaving for D.C. position

Kalispell Public Schools Food Service Director Jenny Montague has resigned to take a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Lorie Hafer, who was initially hired by the district to work as assistant food service director in 2013, replaces Montague as interim food services director through June 30 when her contract ends.

Hafer said she was able to gain experience in school kitchens throughout the district and plans to continue local food initiatives implemented by Montague.

“We pride ourselves on serving kids good food — the best we can procure for them,” Hafer said.

Montague had served as head of food services in District 5 since 2011.

During her tenure, cafeteria food in Kalispell was put on the map both statewide and nationwide for its nutritious options, locally sourced ingredients and creative recipes.

Montague, with assistance by FoodCorps service members, helped procure local and regional ingredients including vegetables, fruit and grass-fed beef to serve in roughly 4,000 meals daily. Montague did this all within budget constraints, in some instances at a savings, while keeping money in Montana’s economy.

Nutrition was Montague’s priority and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains were added to the menu while more food was baked and cooked “from scratch” and often taste-tested by students themselves.

For all these efforts by the Food Service Department, Bon Appetit magazine featured Kalispell along with six other schools around the nation for producing healthy and some of the “yummiest locally sourced cafeteria meals out there,” in 2013.

The summer meals program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to children when school is not in session, also was implemented in 2012 under Montague’s leadership.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.