Transforming School Food: The Impact of Student Voice
“As a young person, having my voice heard is everything.” – Raina Maiga
Meet Raina Maiga, a senior at Purdue Polytechnic High School who sought to elevate her school’s lunch experience. Through her passionate advocacy, Raina was instrumental in forging a partnership between The Patachou Foundation and Purdue Polytechnic High School, transforming what school food looks like for her peers.
The Power of Being Heard
Raina was not satisfied with her school lunches. She often found herself hungry shortly after eating and felt that the meals were unappetizing. Through a class project, she and her classmates identified the challenges of establishing a better lunch program, which led to a pivotal discussion with The Patachou Foundation.
Listening to student feedback is crucial for creating a sustainable lunch program. At PataSchool, our goal is to incorporate feedback from students, staff, and families into our menu to ensure it remains relevant. No two PataSchool menus are the same, reflecting the unique needs of each school. Thanks to Raina’s advocacy, we successfully implemented a salad bar at Purdue Polytechnic, boosting daily meal participation from under 150 students to over 300.
About PataSchool
The Patachou Foundation combats childhood hunger through innovative programs like PataSchool, which integrates scratch kitchens and fresh meal options into schools. This initiative ensures that all students receive free, high-quality meals daily, addressing the critical role food plays in student well-being—half of the meals students consume each day come from school.
At PataSchool partner schools, our dedicated kitchens serve three nutritious meals daily, positively impacting both educational and health outcomes. We prioritize feedback from students, staff, and parents, allowing us to tailor our program to meet the unique needs of each school.
Currently, PataSchool serves over 1,400 students each day. In addition to providing nutritious meals, the program enhances long-term sustainability, creates thriving wage jobs in cafeterias, and offers industry certifications for career development. Learn More>>