New Trier High School is giving its food vendor a second chance after it apparently offended the palates of students and staff by providing an overly healthy selection.

Aramark Educational Services took over the lunch and catering program at the North Shore district in August. Aramark instituted a "strict implementation" of the district's wellness policy, which requires 75 percent of food and beverage offerings to meet National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity health standards, according to school administrators.

The company went overboard, administrators said. It cut all fried foods and monosodium glutamate. It also made all breads, pastas and tortillas with wheat.

"So, obviously, the students rebelled against that," said Don Goers, associate superintendent.

Sales dropped off. And, according to school board member John Myefski, parent involvement with the lunch process increased.

"I'm sick of packing lunches," Myefski said.

When the company's attempts during the school year to address complaints failed, New Trier threatened to solicit bids from new companies, which provided a wake-up call to the vendor, Goers said. In response, Aramark brought in new cooks and a new menu.

In other words, they increased their unhealthy offerings.

The company implemented menus normally reserved for college programs into the New Trier student cafeteria. Food for the staff dining room is now from Aramark's corporate menu.

Response from staff and students since April has been positive, administrators said. With quality and management responsiveness issues seemingly addressed, and more unhealthy options on the menu, New Trier's school board agreed to extend Aramark's contract for another year at its May 21 meeting. School board President Al Dolinko cautioned the company, however.

"This is now on a short leash," Dolinko said, "as short a leash as it can be."

An Aramark spokesman did not immediately return a call requesting comment.

jhuston@tribune.com