On May 1, 2026, the statewide CECAP, Creating & Executing a Culinary Advancement Plan, program brought Tier 2 & 3 schools together for an inspiring mentorship site visit at Belmont Middle and High School, a proud Tier 3 leader in culinary excellence. The day was all about connection, collaboration, and exchanging fresh ideas to help school nutrition programs take their scratch-cooking efforts to the next level.
Tier 2 & 3 school nutrition leaders from across Massachusetts got a firsthand look at CECAP in action, and it didn’t disappoint. The visit included a delicious lunch in the beautiful Belmont Middle and High School café, setting the perfect tone for conversation and peer-to-peer learning. Belmont’s daily vegetarian option was on full display with a standout Stuffed Tomato with Rice, Beans, and Cheese, served alongside a globally inspired main entrée of Senegal-inspired Spicy Chicken and Vegetables. Everyday students can choose from a colorful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to round out their meals and support healthy eating.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—the visit coincided with School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated each year on the first Friday in May. This special day honors the dedicated school nutrition professionals who fuel student success every day, and Belmont School Foodservice celebrates with heart. The Superintendent visited every school kitchen to recognize their School Lunch Heroes, while school art teachers and students joined in by decorating aprons for the food service team—adding creativity, color, and lots of smiles to the celebration.
That same spirit of pride and passion is at the heart of the food service team at Belmont Public Schools and a big factor in their culinary success. Their food services team is deeply committed to nourishing students through scratch cooking, menu innovation, and memorable dining experiences. More than just a tour, this mentorship visit sparked inspiration and fresh ideas, empowering Tier 2 schools to return to their districts with practical strategies and renewed enthusiasm for their own kitchens and communities.
CECAP, Creating & Executing a Culinary Advancement Plan, is a training and mentorship program designed to help school nutrition teams sharpen culinary skills, improve kitchen efficiency, and strengthen goal setting for scratch-cooking success.
CECAP also opens the door to customized support from the Culinary Consultant at The John C. Stalker Institute (JSI). By completing the CECAP intake survey, schools are placed into one of three Culinary Readiness Tiers, ensuring support is tailored to their needs. Each tier includes guidance toward a personalized culinary advancement plan—bringing teams one step closer to hands-on chef coaching and long-term success.
Together, we’re building skills, confidence, and healthier school meals—one kitchen at a time!