Kids Make Voices Heard To Change School Lunch Menu

AQUEBOGUE, NY — Even the smallest of students can work toward making big changes.

To that end, Aquebogue Elementary School students had their voices heard after they composed letters to advocate for new lunch options, the Riverhead Central School District said.

Maria Wade’s first and second grade special education class agreed that they'd like to see additional lunch options on the menu — and received feedback from their peers supporting their stance, she said.

Wade’s students worked together to write letters to Riverhead Central School District Director of Food Services Keith Graham, and their words convinced him to add two new menu items — macaroni and cheese and pancakes.

"Our students displayed excellent work ethic and passion while writing these letters to Mr. Graham," said Wade. "In addition to the excitement of having their words heard, they were even more eager to soon eat the options they supported."

The students were proud of the outcome of their efforts, and school officials said they were also proud of the kids "for utilizing the persuasive writing skills they learn in class to champion a cause that directly affects them."

"We love to hear feedback from our students," said Graham."“When possible, we do our best to turn this feedback into changes to our menu, as we were able to do with the new lunch additions."