How a Magical Panini Press Inspired More Kids to Eat School Meals

Laughter, chatter, clattering trays— the energy is palpable as students file into the bustling cafeteria. For Noah Sheldon, a student at Woburn Memorial High School, lunchtime represents much more than just a meal; it’s a pivotal part of the school experience. 

“I absolutely love eating outside in the nice weather with my friends, all talking with one another over some fulfilling meals,” - Noah Sheldon

Noah remembers what school was like before meals became free. He saw his classmates skipping lunch, going without the fuel they needed to focus and do well in class.

But now, all students are welcome to chow down free of charge. And it’s all thanks to the generosity and determination of Project Bread supporters like you who made permanent School Meals for All possible in Massachusetts.

School cafeterias increasingly incorporate culturally relevant recipes to make mealtime an inclusive experience that students participate in. Project Bread partners with schools to help them create more diverse recipes like a Greek Chop Suey and Arroz con Pollo Bowl. 

Noah runs a nonprofit called Inclusive Eats that provides culturally diverse ingredients to food pantries. That means he understands the importance of having cultures reflected in menus all too well.

We’ve all gotta eat — and it’s better when we do it together! 

Increasing school meal participation is crucial for reasons beyond just providing food for kids:

1. Free school meals are saving families money. On average, free school meals can save a family $1,000 per year per child.

2. School Meals for All ensures that all students have access to nutritious meals, which are essential for their physical and cognitive development. When children are well-nourished, they are better able to concentrate, participate, and perform academically, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes.

3. Increased participation can foster a sense of community and belonging, as students gather together during meal times, sharing experiences and promoting social connections.

4. Robust participation in school meal programs can reduce stigma for those struggling with food insecurity, encouraging a culture of inclusion.

5. Eating school meals can lead to decreased food waste and more efficient use of resources, as schools can better plan and manage their meal offerings when participation is higher.

Overall, making sure more students take part in school meals is key to creating a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone in the classroom.

Let’s take a look at Avon Middle-High School, where upgrades are not only boosting school meal participation but also building a stronger sense of community among students.

With funding from Project Bread, Avon Middle-High School has recently made significant strides in enhancing its breakfast offerings. The school invested in a panini press and a blender, allowing for the creation of fresh and enticing breakfast items that cater to students’ tastes. Under the leadership of School Nutrition Director Anna Branco, the program has undergone a transformation that’s engaging students in their dining experience with the help of a modernized menu.

On a snowy December morning, Project Bread visited Avon to see the changes in action. Coming in from the cold, the smells of toasted English muffins and sizzling breakfast sandwiches filled the warm air of the cafeteria. The new panini press has become a hit, improving meal quality and drawing in students excited to try fresh, delicious options at breakfast.

Let this vibrant scene at Avon Middle-High School be a case study for the broader impact that schools can achieve when they prioritize meal quality and presentation. Quality equipment, such as the panini press and blender, means schools can create nutritional meals and culinary experiences that kids are excited to take part in.

Since Massachusetts began providing free school meals to all students, an average of 100,000 more children are eating school lunch daily in schools where meals were not previously universally free, while 73,500 more kids are enjoying school breakfast daily (October 2019 vs 2023). With a daily average increase of 19,748 students participating in school meal programs in October 2023 compared to October 2022, the impact on both health and community cohesion is profound. And more kids eating school meals means more revenue for schools to invest back into further improving their school meal progam. Project Bread has played a pivotal role in this transformation and increased school meal participation, advocating for universal free meals and supporting schools in enhancing their food service capabilities.

Last year alone, we invested a total of $73,141 in grants to improve equipment, outreach, and staffing to enhance meal service and for promotional and advertising material to encourage meal participation. We also provided eight districts and more than 470 nutrition staff members with professional development training and hands-on support to create healthy and delicious meals that comply with USDA nutrition guidelines and that kids will enjoy. Furthermore, we worked directly with 136 school districts on school breakfast, providing one-on-one customized support tailored to the districts’ needs.

This investment boosts staff morale and makes things run more smoothly, which leads to stronger service and a better experience for students. By assisting schools like Monson in modernizing their kitchens, we are helping create an environment where healthy meals can be prepared and served efficiently. “It’s truly a win-win for all,” Blanchard said.

The ripple effects of School Meals for All and improved school meal programs are being felt throughout the Monson district. Increased meal participation has led to expanded local food purchasing, which not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that students are consuming fresher and healthier food choices. As food quality improves, so does the overall student experience. The changes have led to a positive shift in the school climate, with students feeling more connected to their peers during mealtime.