On September 14, 2023, the Newark Board of Education and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, USDA, state and local officials gathered at Oliver Street School to showcase the student meal program for the upcoming school year. The District highlighted back-to-school lunch and provided an opportunity to observe and learn about the program.
Officials were treated to a showcase of the food services staff's outstanding job during lunchtime. Students were offered a menu that featured beef hot dogs, whole wheat rolls, baked beans, corn on the cob, and fresh fruit.
The Newark Board of Education is the largest school district in New Jersey, serving more than 22,000 meals in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program daily. The District also participates in the Department of Defense (DOD) Direct Delivery, which brings fresh produce into Newark schools.
"Elayier Pickett, Newark Board of Education Food Services Interim Director, emphasized empowering students to make healthy choices for better classroom performance and lifelong well-being. "It's important for them to understand that eating foods with high nutritional value can enhance their classroom performance and lead to a healthier lifestyle."
Superintendent Roger León said, "I am truly delighted with the outstanding work our food services program in the District has accomplished. With the support from the state, we are committed to nourishing our students' bodies and minds, and we hope to see them continue to grow and thrive."
For more information on the state's school lunch program, please visit:
https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/childadult/school.html
For more information on The Newark Board of Education Food Services Department, please visit: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/departments/sba/operations/food-services/