JACKSON TWP — Students who eat in cafeterias in the Seneca Valley School District next year might not notice it, but meals will be greener.

The pilot program "Green Café" had students on the secondary campus using trays, flatware and soufflé cups that will biodegrade in five to eight years as compared to the 1,000 years it takes traditional foam items.

In the one week of the pilot program, which took place earlier this month, district food services director Geraldine Galat said not one student complained about the dinnerware they were using.

In fact, she said just the opposite was the case.

"We had a lot of good feedback from students," Galat said. "They're glad that they decompose quickly in the landfill, plus they commented that the trays are sturdier."

Galat, who spied the "green" cafeteria items in a trade magazine, said the trays come in cases of 500, and the district uses eight to nine cases per day.

She said the Styrofoam trays the district has used for 13 years are not sturdy enough to carry a double lunch, which are big sellers among students in higher grades. She said the eco-friendly trays can easily carry the load.

Galat said while the eco-friendly items cost a little more, that increased cost is all but negated in the elimination of double trays.

Galat said trays cost about two cents more per item, and she is unsure of the cost increase for utensils but knows it won't be a drastic increase.

Regarding utensils, she said the district uses 1,000 cases per year. A case contains 500 sporks and 1,000 each of forks, spoons and knives.

Galat said the switch will have a "significant impact" on landfills.

"We always try to do as much as we can to go green," she said, "and I figure trays are the biggest user item. Then when I saw (the vendor) has plasticware too, I said, 'Ah, we have to use that too.'"

Maddie Levis, a student at the intermediate high school, said she was unaware of the pilot program two weeks ago. She said she did not notice any difference in the lunch items she used, but was thrilled to hear the entire school district is switching to the environmentally friendly trays, flatware and soufflé cups.

"I think it's great," said Levis, who recently became a vegetarian for environmental and animal-cruelty reasons. "If everyone did that instead of just a school district, it will completely change the world."

Levis said her family recycles and is looking for low-flow showerheads and other environmentally friendly features in houses in Bethlehem, Pa., where they are moving this summer.

Levis realizes the district, while concerned about the environment, must also be aware of the cost.

"It's a big step because of cost, but it's really a good thing," Levis said. "I'm really happy."

The district will advertise for bids over the summer so the program will be in place by the start of the 2009-10 school year.