There are over 1,700 public schools in New York City, making it the largest system of public schools in the United States. SchoolFood, the supplier of food to NYC schools, serves about 850,000 meals every school day and offers specific menu choices, such as the Alternative Food Program. Who decides what food is on the menu? How can you influence the food choices at school?
In the spring of 2017, CUP and Community Food Action at New Settlement Apartments collaborated with Teaching Artist Elma Relihan and public high school students from the Comprehensive Model School Project (CMSP 327) to get the scoop on the Alternative Food Program. To investigate, students got out of the classroom and into the cafeteria, surveying community members and interviewing key decision makers on the Alternative Food Program. Students created What’s On Your Plate? as a guide to school menu choices and how communities can get involved in the type of food served at public schools.
Students debuted their project at CMSP 327’s library, where they presented their poster, demonstrated their interview skills, and shared their creative process with middle school students.
Get your own poster here!