Flik Independent School Dining was selected as Menlo’s new food service provider after an extensive search process. With the autumn opening of the School’s new student center and dining hall, they will play an integral role in campus life. Currently serving over 230 prestigious independent schools, including Nueva, Serra, Urban, Robert Lewis Stevenson, and Sonoma Academy, Flik is the market leader in independent school dining. Inspired by the philosophy of “Nourishing a Brighter Future,” Flik provides wholesome nutritious meals, cooked on site from fresh, organic when possible, ingredients that support local and sustainable agricultural practices. (Here’s a welcome letter from Flik and you can learn more online at www.flikisd.com.)

As part of the selection process, Menlo formed a food service committee comprised of representatives from all constituent groups in our community. Over the course of six months, we evaluated proposals, conducted site visits, and participated in tastings and presentations from three prospective vendors. Flik was the unanimous choice.

Flik’s fresh innovative food programs distinguished them from other candidates. They will be offering daily food service that includes lunch with a variety of choices, including a selection of grab-and-go options, along with an enhanced snack bar that provides hot and cold options for breakfast as well as healthy snacks throughout the day. Flik is also meeting with the Athletic Department and Menlo’s nutritionist to develop snacks for our athletes.

In addition to great food, Flik offers nutritional education programs that help students learn to make healthy choices, explore a variety of nutritious foods, and nourish their bodies for a healthy life. Flik plans to bring a teaching kitchen to the Menlo Community to engage students in hands-on programs that will help them understand and enjoy food, nutrition, and cooking. Menlo is excited to be one of the first schools in the country to work with Flik’s teaching kitchen and offer this program to students.

“What stood out to me was the diversity and creativity of Flik’s meals,” says committee member Mark Ball ’17. “Menlo students definitely have a lot to look forward to in terms of the quality of the food as well as many great options to choose from.”

Menlo parent and committee member Jennifer Jeffries is also excited to have Flik join the Menlo family. “Their food is fresh and local, and they know what students need and will enjoy. The chefs are in tune to allergies and other dietary restrictions and seek to feed everyone with a variety of food options.”

“I also think they will really listen to us and seem very flexible,” says Upper School science teacher Tanya Buxton. “They have an app, online menus, and will be eliciting regular feedback from students, teachers, and parents.”   

Flik stood out to seventh grade committee member Audrey Ha because of its “determination to create healthy, eco-friendly, and exciting meals for the school community.” She says she’s excited for Flik to join our school because they seem “100% devoted to students and faculty…and will put in the effort to make sure that our dining program is the best it can be.”

In the next few months, Flik will be advising Menlo on the final phase of construction of the new kitchen and dining space, and they will be hiring an onsite dining manager, executive chef, catering manager, and other food service personnel. They’ll also be working with us to launch a Flik@Menlo app and online tools where you can view menus and provide feedback.

We’ll provide updates as these things progress, but in the meantime, we are thrilled to welcome Flik to Menlo.