School Dining Facilities Upgrade to Encourage Healthy Food Choices

ST. LOUIS, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Attention on childhood obesity has reached a fever pitch, with major organizations like the NFL and American icons such as First Lady Michelle Obama calling for improved fitness and nutrition programs for American youth.  Reinventing the school lunch experience is part of the solution, with Duke Manufacturing launching a new line of restaurant equipment aimed at making mealtime in the school cafeteria more appealing.

Duke Manufacturing, a St. Louis based expert in food service equipment, has partnered with sign and decor developer The Howard Company to create a new line of visually attractive serving systems. The partnership matches Duke's superior food serving technology and equipment with modern graphics and themes, making healthy options stand out and appeal to students.

In addition to the graphic allure to the systems, Duke has introduced a new Dual Temperature food holding unit that helps keep fresh menu items at the highest quality –serving as either a refrigerator or food warmer depending on the menu of the day.

"Variety in the menu is an essential tactic to earning the student's participation in a school dining program.  The Dual Temp unit offers unmatched flexibility to dining management as they strive to earn the attention of today's student," said Jim Klimt, Vice President of Sales with Duke Manufacturing. "Our new interchangeable signage options enhance product merchandising, create an inviting atmosphere and promote healthful food selections by keeping menus fresh and new."

With more than 15 years experience and 10,000 systems constructed, Duke specializes in comprehensive serving system solutions for schools and universities. From AeroServ, Thurmaduke, or upscale Next Generation systems, Duke's state-of-the-art product line includes everything from buffet units, salad bars and countertop warmers, to work tables, food shields and ventilation systems.

About Duke Manufacturing:

Duke Manufacturing is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of equipment solutions for the food-service industry, including major restaurant chains and dining facilities for schools and other institutions. Founded in 1925, the company is based in St. Louis, Mo., with two U.S. manufacturing facilities and distribution and service centers in Europe, Latin America and Asia.  A recipient of the 2009 Energy Champion Award from the U.S. Department of Energy, the company's research and development is focused on creating cost-saving and eco-friendly technologies that save resources while delivering the highest quality food for the ultimate consumer. For more information: www.dukemfg.com

About the Howard Company

The Howard Company, founded in 1950, is an employee-owned point-of-purchase display manufacturer, specializing in menu boards and food service products as well as permanent and semi-permanent retail merchandising displays. Headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., the company includes several brands: Mainstreet Menus, Howard Displays, Howard Menus, VisionQuest Digital Systems, and Mainstreet Schoolzones. www.howardcompany.com

SOURCE Duke Manufacturing