Student Voices, Healthy Choices: GCSC and Chartwells Bring Fresh Experiences to School Cafeterias
October activities feature Student Choice, Apple Crunch Day and
elementary Mood Boost programming
(Gary, IND) –The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC), in partnership with school nutrition provider Chartwells K12, is making the cafeteria a place where students can explore new foods, share their preferences and learn about healthy choices. October’s dining activities reflect the district’s commitment to supporting the whole child through experiences that connect nutrition, student voice and well-being.
Giving Students a Voice
The October calendar features Student Choice on Tuesday, October 20, at West Side Leadership Academy. Chartwells’ Student Choice program gives students opportunities to sample food concepts and vote on options, helping shape their cafeteria experience. The approach encourages students to explore different flavors while showing them that their opinions matter.
Celebrating Fresh, Local Foods
On Wednesday, October 21, McCullough Academy will celebrate Apple Crunch Day during lunch periods in the cafeteria. Planned experiences include fresh produce, cooking demonstrations and opportunities to learn about locally grown apples.
The celebration introduces students to the benefits of fresh, nutritious produce and the importance of supporting local farmers. As part of the district’s Apple Crunch Day activities, all GCSC schools will offer freshly baked apple crisp for students to taste and enjoy.
Lisa Bishop, Chartwells representative and Food Director for the Gary Schools, leads the charge to offer healthy, diverse foods options for students in the district.
“By connecting food with hands-on discovery, GCSC and Chartwells are encouraging students to become curious about what they eat and where it comes from,” said Bishop.
Connecting Food and Feelings
At the elementary level, Mood Boost is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27. Chartwells designed the program to help children explore connections between what they eat and how they feel through engaging characters, food experiences and activities.
“Mood Boost makes nutrition education approachable for younger learners, encouraging them to discover new foods while building awareness of their feelings and everyday well-being,” added Bishop.
October’s calendar also included the “Cafeteria Circus” National School Lunch Week theme, October 12–16, and an upcoming breakfast promotion on October 28, creating additional opportunities to engage students in school meals.
“The Gary Community School Corporation is committed to providing a welcoming school experience that supports learning, healthy habits and student participation,” said GCSC Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes. “The district recognizes that caring for students includes providing opportunities to feel heard, explore their interests and develop habits they can carry beyond the classroom.”
Families are encouraged to consider Gary Community School Corporation for an educational experience that supports the whole child. To learn more about enrollment, school programs and student services, contact any GCSC school or visit www.garyschools.org.
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