Interviews
Beth Kimball: Owner and Creator of Beth's Kitchen/Campus Kitchen
Interview by Caroline Yoder
Tell us about Campus Kitchen.
Campus Kitchen is a full-service catering company devoted to creating healthy meals for schools in the greater Los Angeles area. In addition to a more traditional menu, Campus Kitchen has been one of the first to introduce vegetarian/vegan, organic and gluten-free options.
How did you come up with the idea for Campus Kitchen?
Well we kind of fell into it. We started in 1993 serving meals to Post Production facilities in LA. We received a call from a summer camp that was also starting their first year. They asked if we would be willing to come and provide services to their 35 campers. After a little thought we figured we could do that. We now offer food to their 1200 students on a daily basis, and this year will be our 15th summer camp.
Have you had any obstacles in making Campus Kitchen a reality?
Branding. It's difficult to overcome the names sometime. We began making our own pizza three years ago after many of outsourcing. We went through a tasting process with some of the students, which we do a lot of. They picked the favorite dough, cheese, etc. When we showed up with the new pizza, with out the familiar red, white, & blue chain logo on the box, it was a huge issue. They "hated" the pizza, but not because of the product but because it wasn't that brand. It took us several months to gain acceptance over the chain.?
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The kids are the most rewarding. It's great to go to the different schools and see the kids. It's a great feeling to be with them each day. I have watched over the years many of them go from a little kindergarten guy to graduating and making their college plans.?
What are some of the most popular meals that you prepare?
Pizza, Asian dishes and Mexican.
Do you have a fixed selection of meals, or do you continue to come up with new menu options?
We do have fixed meals, however we do make seasonal changes. We also make it a point to do taste testing so that kids can try new things on a regular basis. We believe in giving kids the power to help select what we make. This has proven to be very helpful.
I notice from the Campus Kitchen website that you try to use the freshest ingredients possible. Do you make items such as veggie burgers and soy meatballs from scratch?
We always use the best possible ingredients available during the seasons. For us, that means that we use several different vendors to supply various products to our kitchen. We do create most of our meals from scratch including veggie menu items such as falafel, sambussa, and lasagna.
Campus Kitchen is also devoted to the protection of the environment. What measures have you taken to show your commitment to "green" living?
We personally believe that it isn't about making our company look good—it's just the right thing to do. We've wanted to make the switch for some time but were unable due to product scarcity. We're proud that we are one of the first catering companies in LA to make the switch to renewable resource packaging and catering supplies. As the products have become more readily available it has certainly made it easier for the transition.
Being eco-conscience has been a way of life for me for some time. I think that it's an important message to make, especially when our customers are the next generation to inherit the Earth.
How has the community responded to your efforts to encourage healthful eating and green living?
The community has been very supportive. We get lots of positive feedback especially from parents and teachers. Just this year we were even recognized by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office.
What are your plans for the future?
Keep doing what we do, working daily to provide nutritious food that kids like to eat.
Do you have any recommendations for families who want more veg-friendly school lunch options?
Taste test and taste test some more. Get the kids so they want to have the items on the menu. Keep it simple. Programs that try to get too fancy or complicated can make kids feel intimidated. It's important to understand that kids want options that they can feel comfortable with and recognize.
Visit Beth on the web at www.campuskitchen.net
Caroline Yoder is currently a student at Duke University, studying English and Psychology. She hopes one day to become a writer in the health field.
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