Written by Communications Services junior associate, Sarai Lopez-Castillo
From breakfast to lunch, Food and Child Nutrition Services ensures that every meal is crafted with care to meet nutritional standards and cater to diverse dietary needs. That’s their primary goal, said Trina Nelson, executive chef at FCNS.
“It’s critical for us to not only have these meals available but also to make it something that they want to eat,” she said.
One way FCNS helps provide healthy meals is through the Back to Scratch program.
This initiative, which Nelson leads, focuses on ensuring meals are made from scratch with fresh ingredients and tailored to accommodate students’ varying diets. Whether it’s catering to those who cannot swallow solid foods or providing allergen-free options, FCNS works to ensure all students can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal.
“Our student population is very diverse, even when it comes to special diets,” she said.
Student involvement also plays a crucial role in shaping menu choices, and FCNS staff conducts regular taste tests across schools to gather feedback.
“We involve students in the menu planning process to ensure our meals are not only healthy but also appealing to their taste,” Nelson said.
To address food insecurity, FCNS offers a year-round meal program and participates in the Community Eligibility Provision program, which allows all students to receive free meals without income-based qualifications, ensuring access to two nutritious meals daily.
Nelson also stresses the importance of district-provided meals since they are designed to support student health and academic performance.
For those who rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition, students can also receive free meals during holiday breaks.
“We strive to make nutritious meals accessible to all students, regardless of their economic circumstances,” she said.
FCNS also collaborates with local vendors and farmers to source quality ingredients at affordable prices. Community outreach efforts include budget-friendly meal preparation videos, extending their impact beyond school boundaries.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, FCNS is launching a student ambassador program in collaboration with the Career and Technical Education program.
CTE students will meet monthly at the Maria Luna Food Services Facility to further engage in promoting healthy eating habits and advocating for nutrition education within the school community.
“Kids need that food, it energizes their brain and it keeps them going for the day,” Nelson said.
