In February, school lunch became an experience in healthy eating and family style dining for the students at People for People Charter School. Students now eat at round tables in a redecorated lunch room. Every day, table captains come a few minutes early to set the table and serve food to their classmates. They take the leadership role in encouraging their peers to try new things, to pass and share food with each other, and to work together to make lunch work. Kids are loving the food and the school administration is getting great feedback from teachers, including this from an elementary teacher:

"I just wanted to send a quick "thank you e-mail" for our new school lunch program. My students have not been involved in any altercations, found running in the hallways, or pleading to eat in the classroom with me since the start of the program. This enables me to jump right into instruction once we return to the classroom versus spending 10 to 15 minutes in the role of referee. Every other week I select a student for our "Star Student of the Week" program. On Thursday of that week the student is invited to eat lunch in the classroom with me. During conversations with students during our special lunch, they have each shared that this is the most memorable and exciting part of the week. Well today, Sania suggested that I join her for lunch in the cafeteria because in her exact words, 'the food is delicious and lunch is fun!'"

November 2011:

"Eatiquette Kick Off Day."

On November 22, 2011, The Vetri Foundation for Children joined People for People Charter school for "Eatiquette Kick Off Day." The school's 540 kids dined family style in "The View," a special events venue on the school's 8th floor. They enjoyed panko crusted baked chicken tenders, marinated green beans, mixed green salad and freshly sliced pineapple for dessert. One student remarked, "This is the best food I've ever tasted!" Every adult in the room was impressed with the children's excellent meal time behavior and the way they engaged with one another over good food. Special thanks to the volunteers from the Junior League who kept the front of the house running smoothly. Eatiquette will be an everyday occurrence at PFPCS starting in February 2012.

October 2011:

Chefs Train on Eatiquette Practices

In preparation for the launch of Eatiquette at PFPCS, the school chef spent a full afternoon training in the kitchen at Osteria. People for People's Chef worked closely with Chef Jeff Michaud, chef and owner at Osteria, and Vetri Foundation for Children Board Member. Michaud developed the Eatiquette program along with Chef Marc Vetri. The chefs worked together to master best practices on how to serve up healthy and tasty food for 500+ kids every day.