Success Stories
We have success stories to share, and we applaud the work of others and want to show that off here, too. We share these stories to show what is possible and to inspire the addition of plant-based foods to the menu! If you would like to submit a success story about adding plant-based foods, please contact us.
Vegetarian Menus in NYC
In formal partnership with New York City Office of Food & Nutrition Services, in 2012 we worked together to develop and introduce a vegetarian menu available to schools upon the principal’s request. This resulted in the first public (non-charter) school in the nation to offer a vegetarian menu. Today four schools enjoy this healthier menu, which meets all requirements for calories, protein, and other nutrients, and costs less than the standard menu. For example, if all schools in New York City adopted the vegetarian menu, they could save $10 million per year. More details coming.
Hummus in Every School in NYC
All children should have the option of a plant-based entree daily. Peanut butter and jelly is standard, but many children are allergic to it. The Coalition for Healthy School Food requested that all NYC schools offer hummus every day, and as of 2018, hummus is on every NYC school menu.
Virtual Learning in the Age of COVID
We quickly pivoted and offered a summer full of fun learning opportunities and are planning for fall classes now that will begin in October. Students had at home cooking and exercise classes, a food and the environment class, discussion groups on food and race, and animal sanctuary tours. Many families were regulars, and were so appreciative of all the educational support that we provided for them – not to mention the family dinners they made together during our cooking classes!
Family & Consumer Sciences
Cooking is an important life skill that can completely change the trajectory of one’s life. For a few years now we have partnered with a Family & Consumer Sciences class in Ithaca, NY. While we can’t do this in person now, we can’t wait to go back in the classroom once it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, our online cooking classes help children and a parent make their dinner for the evening.