School nutrition programs across the Commonwealth have been hard at work to ensure that School Meals for All (universal free breakfast and lunch for all students) are nutritious, delicious, culturally diverse, and prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Check out the recent news highlighting the phenomenal work being done by school nutrition programs across the state.
In August, Rob Leshin from DESE had the opportunity to educate NBC 10 Boston on School Meals for All. He highlighted the significant impact it is making to student learning, to families, to local agriculture and to school meal programs. Amplifying the amazing work being done by school nutrition teams across the Commonwealth to provide nutritious, nourishing meals to all students!
Schools have been taking advantage of the School Meals for All funding by harvesting from local farms. The Reminder Publications captured the story of how Westfield Public Schools is making a difference.
Two school districts in Massachusetts proudly received the Healthy Meals Incentive Recognition Award from Action for Healthy Kids and the USDA for their outstanding efforts in bringing diversity to their school lunch menu. Both districts participated in the JSI CRISP series to advance culinary skills and expand cultural competency within their school nutrition teams.
- Whitman-Hanson Regional School District
- Littleton Public Schools – Also, be sure to listen in on the recent podcast Onsite with FSD featuring Littleton Public School’s Food Service Director Leah Botko!
- New Bedford Public School District received the Innovation in Nutrition Education Award
- Carver Public Schools received the Small and/or Rural School Food Authority Lunch Trailblazer Award
The outstanding work of two Massachusetts school districts was recently showcased on Tray Talk. Check out the articles!
Webster Public School Food Services was highlighted in the article Seasonal Harvests in School Meals.- School nutrition professionals at Triton Regional School District and Prospect Hill Academy Charter Schools were applauded in the article Schools Provide Students with Lifelong Nutrition Lessons.
You may not be surprised to hear that change starts in the kitchen. This sentiment rang true during Insights from School Food Change Leaders was recently hosted by the Chef Ann Foundation. Read more about the panel’s discussion of the following areas:
- Investing in the School Food Workforce
- Elevating the Expertise of School Food Professionals
- Modeling Change for Smaller Districts
- Showcasing School Food Change
- Supporting Local and Regional Farms
ICYMI…School Lunch in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
Note: video contains language that may be offensive.