“They serve us pizza… mozzarella sticks… chicken nuggets… and then pizza again…”
“We have to grab fruit just to get past the lunch staff, even if we won’t eat it.”
“It’s too loud and crowded, and we barely have enough time to eat.”
Do these comments resonate with you? They certainly mirror what my kids say about their own school lunch experiences. Across the nation, far too many children are rushed through lunch, consuming mass-produced, processed foods in an environment that is anything but conducive to proper nourishment. They are crammed into tight spaces, overwhelmed by noise, and often end up discarding half their meals because they either run out of time or simply don’t like what’s on their trays.
This poses a significant issue for America’s youth, as proper nutrition is essential for maximizing their learning potential. Unfortunately, many schools across the country are falling short in this area.
Fortunately, a nonprofit organization named FoodCorps is on a mission to change the narrative—from the types of food offered to students to the atmosphere of the cafeteria itself. Their research initiative, “Reimagining School Cafeterias: A Human-Centered Study on the Current State and Future of School Food,” encompassed schools nationwide, representing various socioeconomic backgrounds in both urban and rural settings. The findings were quite revealing.
The study indicated that educators and administrators often view the lunch hour, or what could be termed “lunch 20 minutes,” as merely a necessary interruption rather than a positive experience. More crucially, students themselves aren’t particularly enthusiastic about lunchtime at school either. As the future leaders of America, they certainly deserve better.
According to the study, “Schools are—in a sense—the nation’s largest restaurant chain. However, our education system often treats the task of feeding 30 million kids daily as a burden: lunch is seen as a drain on learning time, cafeteria culture detracts from school culture, and quality meals are perceived as a financial strain.”
Steps Toward Improvement
So, what steps can school districts take to improve this scenario, especially when funding is routinely cut? With increasing pressure on teachers to deliver educational content and standardized testing within a constrained school day, how can we expect schools to revamp the lunch experience? FoodCorps has some suggestions.
To reshape the student lunch experience, FoodCorps began with pivotal questions: “What if school meals could nourish every child, affirm their cultural identities, and invite their participation? What if they could communicate to children that they are valued and cared for—something that food, a fundamental aspect of human connection, has done for ages?”
Imagine if school lunches weren’t viewed as an inconvenience or an afterthought, but rather as integral to the educational day, holding equal importance to subjects like science, math, and reading. Such a shift in perspective could yield profound effects.
To genuinely capture the needs and desires of students, FoodCorps prioritized direct engagement, speaking with kids across nine diverse school communities. Often, policy changes are implemented without considering the insights of those most affected—students themselves.
“Adults frequently make broad assumptions about children’s opinions,” says Mia Thompson, Director of Program Development at FoodCorps. “However, when provided a safe environment to express themselves, students of all ages can share thoughtful and nuanced perspectives. It’s our responsibility as adults to foster that environment and actively create spaces for student input.”
After conducting their research, FoodCorps learned that students require the break that lunch provides; they need time to relax, socialize, and recharge. They desire choices in their cafeteria offerings rather than being forced to accept whatever is served. Moreover, they wish for those choices to reflect their cultural identities—if enchiladas are on the menu, they should be authentic enchiladas.
Addressing Financial Limitations
So, how can schools provide these varied options, especially when fresh produce can be costly and a significant amount of food is wasted? The challenges often boil down to financial limitations and bureaucratic constraints. “Elected officials at all levels must hear from their constituents about what matters,” Thompson emphasizes. “One vital message is the need for improved infrastructure and equipment, such as salad bars, along with technical assistance.”
To facilitate meaningful change, FoodCorps has outlined the School Food Modernization Act—legislation that would establish grants, loan guarantees, and technical assistance programs to support school districts in acquiring necessary kitchen equipment. This is a crucial step forward.
Additionally, FoodCorps strongly advocates for hands-on food education, believing that when kids learn about healthy foods in engaging ways, they become more excited about eating them. “You can’t have one without the other,” Thompson asserts. “Our national AmeriCorps service program, which operates in 18 states plus D.C., emphasizes hands-on, food-based education, allowing students to learn about, grow, prepare, and taste healthy, culturally relevant foods. Our evaluations indicate that students involved in this program consume up to three times as many fruits and vegetables during lunch compared to those at schools with minimal food education.”
Encouraging children to participate in gardening and cooking initiatives is essential. By interacting with fruits and vegetables, understanding their growth, and learning how they benefit our bodies, children are more likely to select them willingly for their lunches.
Improving the Cafeteria Environment
Another crucial aspect of enhancing school lunch experiences is improving the environment. Often, a disconnect exists between the diligent, underappreciated cafeteria staff and the broader school community. Why not celebrate School Lunch Hero Day each May?
FoodCorps understands that teachers require their lunch breaks just as much as students do. Yet, if teachers or other staff members occasionally join students for lunch, it could illustrate the school community’s commitment to valuing a nourishing lunch experience. Brightening up the cafeteria with new paint, vibrant designs, and even student-led volunteer projects can demonstrate to kids that their lunch time is meaningful.
While FoodCorps’ study is complete, their initiative to transform school lunches across the U.S. is just beginning. They have partnered with sweetgreen to launch a pilot program in schools where at least half the students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This program includes exciting features such as:
- A “Tasty Challenge,” where kids can taste a fruit or vegetable prepared in two different ways and vote for their favorite, potentially influencing the cafeteria menu.
- A “Flavor Bar,” allowing students to choose their own spices, condiments, and sauces.
- “Our School Cafeteria,” a forum for students to brainstorm improvements for their lunchroom environment.
Ultimately, the study underscores a vital truth: our children need a better lunch experience to unlock their full potential. It all begins with listening to the kids. “Awareness is key,” Thompson concludes. “Awareness of the complexities of school meal programs, the challenges and opportunities present, and, most importantly, awareness of the students’ experiences and aspirations. Parents can play a significant role in advocating for their children and amplifying their voices, making it essential to listen to and learn from them.”
In summary, rethinking school lunches is not just about food; it’s about creating an environment where students feel valued, nourished, and engaged in their own health and well-being.