School Food

In many neighborhoods across the city, parents have organized to improve the meals served in their schools’ cafeterias. Often, parents form a PA/PTA committee, decide on their priorities, and then work with their school's SchoolFood Service Manager. District 1's Presidents' Council outlined steps that PA/PTAs in that district took to change lunch menus at their schools. In some cases, those outside the school -- advocacy groups and elected officials -- are involved. Parents at P.S. 217 in Brooklyn wanted to create meals that were not only healthier but also took into account the diverse cultures represented at their school. Making this change required a succession of steps, including organizing parents, gathering support from elected officials and neighborhood-based groups, and researching their options. Both stories are outlined below.