Aramark Student Nutrition is committed to engaging students in meaningful ways—and what better way than inviting them to help shape their dining experience? At Pawtucket School Department in Rhode Island, Aramark Student Nutrition’s team launched the Student Chef of the Month program: an interactive initiative that celebrates student voice, creativity, and cultural traditions while promoting healthy eating.
“This simple idea creates excitement in the cafeteria, encourages participation, and gets everyone checking the menu for the latest student-inspired creation,” said Michelle Edwards, General Manager for Aramark Student Nutrition, who introduced the program. “The Student Chef of the Month program gives students a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity while promoting literacy and healthy eating, and it allows us to incorporate their ideas directly into menu planning.”
The program works by having students submit their favorite recipes along with a short statement about why they love that dish. The chosen recipe is featured on the menu for one day, and the dish is named after that student. While students do not prepare the dish themselves, this program allows Aramark to incorporate student creativity directly into menu planning as well as encouraging student initiatives and love for sharing meals.
December’s featured items included: “Kelvin’s Macaroni and Cheese” and “Kyle’s Crunchy Beef Tacos".
Each submitted recipe may be adjusted as needed to ensure USDA compliance for K–12 nutrition standards but the heart of the dish—and the student’s story—remains.
The program will continue monthly throughout the school year, with a new Student Chef featured each month.
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