DCPS Tray Talk

Flavorful Futures: BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH EVERY BITE

By Karsyn Tall Registered Dietitian

At the recent School Food Collaborative (SFC) event, we had the valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with students, guardians, and local partners. These discussions were insightful and offered us a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives surrounding school meals, especially between students and their guardians. A key takeaway from the event was the importance of increasing our visibility in schools to ensure students and families know how to share feedback or suggestions with us directly. In alignment with the event’s theme of global flavors, we served a fresh Mediterranean

Salad with Quinoa, which was well-received by attendees. It reflected our ongoing commitment to offering nutritious, flavorful meals that represent the DCPS community. Throughout the school year, our team has focused on both culinary innovation and community collaboration. We’ve conducted taste tests featuring dishes like kale and carrot salad, sweet potato hummus, and black bean dip. The taste tests gave students a chance to try new foods and share their thoughts. These efforts have been supported by strong partnerships with local organizations such as FoodPrints and FoodCorps interns, helping us enhance

both student engagement and nutrition education. Looking ahead to the 2025–26 school year, we’re excited to continue building on these efforts. One of our main goals is to expand community outreach by creating more opportunities for classroom engagement. We’re planning more hands-on events to encourage students to explore new foods and step outside their comfort zones. Additionally, we aim to strengthen our ties with local farms and boost our sustainability practices. We’re energized by the progress we’ve made and are looking forward to another impactful year of nourishing both minds and bodies.