Wentzville Schools Offer Birthday Treat Service

has a solution to the age-old problem: "What do I send to school for my child's birthday treat?"

Of course, home-baked goodies have been gone from the desktops of elementary-school children for a number of years because of health department concerns. Parents turned to boxed treats like Little Debbies or fruit snacks, or bakery-made cookie cakes.

Now, it's even easier. The Wentzville School District can take care of whole thing for you. You can order the snacks straight from the school's food service department, and, as the online form notes, "we'll even take care of the plates and napkins too." The treats will be delivered to the child's classroom.

Patch spoke to Susan Raster, director of the district's child nutrition department. The program is in its third year, Raster said, although it was more popular with parents in its first year than in the second. "We get a fair number," Raster said of parents participating in the service.

The program doesn't appear to appeal to any certain group of parents, such as working mothers, single parent households or any other such demographic. "It's across the board as to who chooses to use it," Raster said.

The online form for ordering birthday treats is available on the district website as well as on individual school websites. Parents are urged to check with their child's teacher to confirm a date and time for delivery of the snacks, as well as the quantity. Requests must be made five days in advance.

All the treats are priced at 50 cents each. Snacks available are:

• individually wrapped pretzels
• sherbet cups
• goldfish crackers
• Italian ice
• ice cream
• marshmallow krispies
• bottled water and apple juice

For a bonus, the birthday child receives a free gift. For more information, contact your school's cafeteria.