School lunches, in some places, have come a long way from the days of mystery meat and pizza that could be mistaken for cardboard. A new district food program brings fresh, high-quality cuisine to the cafeteria.

New London

Winthrop Stem Elementary in New London, Connecticut, has introduced a new school lunch menu developed by professional chefs through the organization Brigade. The program replaces traditional processed and prepackaged foods with fresh ingredients and meals cooked from scratch, such as slow-roasted pork shoulder and grilled plantains.

The initiative, started by former Noma head chef Dan Giusti, has expanded to 45 school districts across seven states. With over 90% of students in New London qualifying for free or reduced meals, the district's food program director emphasized the importance of offering appealing, nutritious food to students who depend on school-provided meals.

Kids get new school lunch menu overhauled by professional chefs

School lunches have come a long way from the days of mystery meat. Meg Oliver shows us how. At Winthrop Stem Elementary in New London, Connecticut, the lunch menu is anything but typical. I love it. From slow-roasted pork shoulder and rice with pigeon peas to grilled plantains, students here can't get enough. My parents' food makes really good food. This food is way better. That wasn't always the case. A few years ago, the district hired Brigade, an organization that uses professional chefs to overhaul food programs in schools and senior centers. We've got kale, we make kale chips. Replacing frozen and prepackaged foods with fresh ingredients and cooking from scratch. Dan Giusti started the company after leaving his job as head chef at Noma, considered one of the world's top restaurants. We're showing that it is very practical to place a chef into a school district and you can make tasty food within the budget that's there. After starting in Connecticut, Brigade has expanded to 45 school districts in seven states. Kids are- Samantha Wilson is the director of the district's food program. With more than 90% of students in New London qualifying for free or reduced meals, this was a personal mission. It is our responsibility to make sure that we are offering foods that students wanna eat. They are looking to get their breakfast and their lunch and their supper from us here. I think every time there's pork, I'm getting it. Healthy meals with a homemade touch. Meg Oliver reporting, they'll have to get their tater tots at home. That's some good eating. We'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night. ♪♪

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