The statewide CECAP — Creating & Executing a Culinary Advancement Plan program brought Tier 2 schools together for an inspiring mentorship site visit at Brookline High School Tappan Campus, – a proud Tier 3 leader in culinary excellence. This event was all about peer-to-peer learning, networking, and sparking new ideas to elevate school nutrition programs in their efforts towards scratch cooking.
Participants were able to experience the impact of CECAP first hand. The day included a delicious Brookline High School lunch (photo right) at the beautiful Tappan Campus, setting the stage for meaningful conversations and collaboration.
Strategies and Successes That Inspired Change
The visit showcased practical approaches and bold initiatives that schools can adapt to strengthen their programs. Highlights included:
- District Wellness Policy in Action
- Brookline Public Schools are true wellness champions! They have completed both Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Massachusetts School Wellness Coaching Program, strengthened their district wellness policy and established a robust implementation plan which guides food service decisions.
- School Breakfast Innovation
- Brookline is leading the way with protein-forward breakfast menus, featuring options like eggs and a tofu scramble for a plant-forward twist. These strategies are designed to boost participation and keep students energized throughout the day.
- Plant-Forward Menus
- In partnership with Humane World for Animals, Brookline Public Schools are transforming school meals with an ambitious goal: 50% plant-based meals by 2027. Empowered by student advocacy, this commitment is transforming school meals into healthier, sustainable options. Check out the Forward Food plant-forward K-12 recipes!
- Pop-Up Events & Student Taste Tests
- Collaborating with creative vendors for pop-up events has become a student favorite! Interactive events and taste tests are helping schools gather feedback and build excitement around new menu items—centering students in the culinary journey.
- Commitment to Sustainability
- Brookline’s sustainability efforts include waste reduction, composting programs, and the use of reusables, such as stainless-steel trays, in food service operations. These initiatives demonstrate how schools can lead by example in environmental stewardship.
The People Behind the Success
At the heart of Brookline Public Schools’ culinary advancement is a dedicated Food Services team that takes pride in nourishing students every day. Their enthusiasm for scratch cooking, menu innovation, and creating memorable dining experiences is unmatched. Their success is fueled by a shared commitment to wellness across the entire school community. This collaborative spirit ensures that every initiative—from plant-forward menus to sustainability efforts—has the support it needs to thrive. This mentorship visit was more than an opportunity to learn—it sparked a wave of innovation, empowering Tier 2 schools to bring fresh ideas and proven strategies back to their own kitchens and communities.
Bring a Chef to Your School!
CECAP — Creating & Executing a Culinary Advancement Plan is a training and mentorship program that helps school nutrition teams build culinary skills, strengthen kitchen efficiencies, and elevate goal setting for scratch cooking success!
The CECAP program is your gateway to customized support from the Culinary Consultant at The John C. Stalker Institute (JSI). Take the CECAP intake survey to have your school tiered into one of three Culinary Readiness Tiers. Each tier is designed to match you with the level of assistance that best meets your needs, including a culinary advancement plan that gets you closer to our chef coaching program!