School Meals from Access to Appeal: Lessons from New York

The school year is in full swing across the country, and approximately 30 million school-aged children are lining up in cafeterias each day to eat a school-provided lunch. These meals are nutritious – offering a balance of fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains and lean protein. However, not all students have equal access to school meals or the interest in eating them.  On this episode, Minerva speaks with Abbie Watts, Director of School Food Advocacy at Community Food Advocates (CFA) in New York City. They discuss CFA’s solutions to both issues of school meals access and appeal in New York.  They also discuss NY’s journey to “Universal School Meals,” NYC’s innovative cafeteria redesign program, and what lessons the rest of the country can take away from New York’s experience.Note to listeners: Minerva Delgado serves as the president of the Board of Directors for Community Food Advocates.Host: Minerva Delgado, Alliance to End HungerGuest(s): Abbie Watts, Director of School Food Advocacy, Community Food AdvocatesHelpful LinksCommunity Food Advocates: https://www.foodadvocates.org/Learn about the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP): https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/cep