Richmond students present results of ‘School Meals Remix’ initiative
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Student advisors are hoping to help Richmond Public Schools (RPS) improve its in-school meals.
The Student Advisory Council (SAC) is made up of Richmond high schoolers from eight different schools. Its purpose is to help school district leadership hear from students and incorporate that feedback into policy decisions.
One of its most recent projects was to look into RPS' school meals as part of a "School Meals Remix." As a part of this initiative, the council researched USDA requirements for school meals, brainstormed menu items and held tasting events -- collecting student feedback all the while.
The council presented its findings to the school board during a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 3.
Members of the council spoke at the meeting, emphasizing the importance of school meals -- particularly breakfasts -- and the impact they can have on how students learn each day. They explained that students who are able to eat well attend school more often, experience fewer behavioral problems and are more engaged in the classroom.
More than 2,700 students from 6th to 12th grade were asked for their thoughts on RPS' current school menu. They were also asked about what matters most to them when it comes to school meals, as well as what they want to see in the future. The results of those surveys are shown below.
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Student survey results on Richmond Public Schools' in-school meals. (Photos: Richmond School Board)
Overall, students expressed some dissatisfaction with RPS' current meal offerings. They were particularly unhappy with the food's appearance and quality. Students also emphasized that they would like more cultural variety in their meal offerings.
Many students also noted having dietary restrictions, which the council said it hopes RPS can better accommodate in the future.
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In response to these survey results, on Tuesday, April 22, the SAC hosted over 200 students at the Hilton Richmond Downtown for a "Taste Test Takeover.
Students were given samples of potential menu items and asked for their thoughts. Over 1,000 students participated.
Some of the most-loved dishes sampled by Richmond students as part of RPS' "School Meals Remix" initiative. (Photo: Richmond School Board)
According to the council, here's their top 10 favorite potential menu items:
- Korean chicken
- IZZE Sparkling Juice
- Fruit bowl with Tajin
- Ramen
- Steak and potato bowl
- Jerk turkey street tacos
- Cheesy churro bites
- Chicken BBQ ranch pizza
- Breakfast croissant with ham and Swiss cheese
- Hot honey jalapeño pepperoni pizza
The school board said all ten of these items will be added to schools' menus beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
The council's other recommendations include:
- Add more fresh fruit and salad options
- Add more diverse cultural food
- Add more hot breakfast options
- Focus on the appearance of food -- "more kids will eat the food if it looks better"
- Expand taste testing to elementary schoolers, giving them a voice
- Continue to offer feedback opportunities
Most of all, the council said it was so excited by and grateful for the high level of student participation in their work.
"Our voices and advocacy matter," one of the council members said, reading from the presentation they prepared for the school board. "When students are actively engaged in advocacy, we can impact positive changes in RPS and [our] community."
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Following the presentation, superintendent Jason Kamras praised the council, describing them as "brilliant, creative and thoughtful."
"[An interviewer asked me,] 'What is RPS' superpower?' -- and I knew immediately what my answer was: it's our students," Kamras said. "They are truly extraordinary and I think that what [we're] seeing today is ... when we actually trust them, invest in them, support them and listen to them, we can change the world -- even if it's one Korean chicken menu item at a time."
