Announcing Episode 4 of the “Healthy School Meals for All”, a podcast by the New York School Nutrition Association. This episode is hosted by Naim Walcott, West Hampton Beach School Nutrition Director and President of the NYSNA and features insightful discussions with Mary Ann Dayton from the Infinity Group and Joe Kilmer from Greater Southern Tier BOCES.
The conversation focuses on the impact of universal meals and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) programs in school nutrition. Mary Ann Dayton, representing the industry side, explains the challenges faced by manufacturers in producing products due to fluctuating student numbers. Joe Kilmer discusses how CEP increased his participation by about 20%, allowing for better resources and improved meal options in schools.

Discussions include the evolution of food items like chicken patties to meet guidelines, the challenges in making healthy food appealing to students, and also explores the financial aspects of school nutrition programs. our guests stress the importance of feeding children and the broader economic impact, touching upon the current challenges such as the milk carton shortage and the need for shelf-stable alternatives.

The “Healthy School Meals for All” podcast is now live, featuring insightful discussions on school nutrition and its broader implications. The guests are Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of the New York State School Nutrition Association, and Sue Bell from Wilson School District, a former president and current advocacy chair of the association and is hosted by Naim Walcott, West Hampton Beach School Nutrition Director and President of the New York State School Nutrition Association.

This episode covers various topics, including the challenges and regulations of school nutrition programs, the impact of USDA guidelines, and the financial aspects of providing quality meals in schools. The discussion highlights how the $4.33 per meal reimbursement rate must cover food, staff, equipment, and other operational costs, emphasizing the tight budget school nutrition programs operate under.

The conversation also touches on the importance of teaching children to make nutritious choices and the difficulty in doing so given the regulations and available products.

This is a call for continued advocacy to ensure all children have access to nutritious school meals, emphasizing that this is a realistic and necessary goal.

Join host, Naim Walcott, West Hampton Beach School Nutrition Director and President of the New York State School Nutrition Association, Caitlin Lazarsky, the newly appointed School Nutrition Director at Pine Bush and NYSNA past president, and Jessica Pino Goodspeed from Hunger Solutions New York as the focus on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) - its impact, stories, and challenges.

Caitlin shares her experience from her previous district, where CEP created a level playing field for all students, allowing significant reinvestment in the program. Jessica brings a unique perspective, discussing the statewide efforts to maximize participation in federal programs and the growth of CEP since its implementation.

The conversation delves into the complexities of CEP, highlighting its role in simplifying school lunch and breakfast programs and eliminating stigma associated with school meals in the hopes that one day all schools can provide equitable and accessible nutrition to all students.

Join host Patrick Keneally, School Lunch Director for Capital Region BOCES and Public Policy Chair for NYSNA, as he welcomes Eric Bush from Saratoga Springs School District and Naeem Walcott from West Hampton Beach School District.

This episode dives into the challenges and innovations in school nutrition, particularly focusing on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and its impact on schools. Discussions include Saratoga Springs’ unique approach to funding free meals for students and the increase in meal participation and satisfaction as a result. The episode also highlights the importance of equitable access to nutritious food for all students, the administrative burdens of current systems, and the need for sustainable funding models to ensure no child is left hungry.

Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of school nutrition programs, the successes of districts embracing universal free meals, and the ongoing challenges in ensuring every student has access to healthy food. Tune in to understand why “everyone wins when everyone eats” and how advocating for universal healthy school meals is vital for the well-being of students across New York.

Introducing Episode 1 of the “Healthy School Meals for All” Podcast! Join the New York School Nutrition Association as they explore how healthy meals at no charge for all students, regardless of economic status, are making a positive impact in school districts.
Join our host Patrick Keneally, Director for Capital Region BOCES and Public Policy Chair for NYSNA, Julie Raway, a registered dietitian from Broome Tioga Boces, and Ruth Conner, director of Buffalo City Schools as they share insights into their district’s initiatives, like farm-to-school programs and overcoming challenges in diverse student populations.

Dive into discussions about local sourcing, the joys of introducing students to new foods, and the transformative effect of CEP on reducing administrative burdens and stigma. This episode is a deep dive into the world of school nutrition and the strides being made towards better, more inclusive meals for every student.