South Kent News

The Grand Rapids Public Schools' Board of Education and the superintendent solicited and received feedback on the district's lunch program and the food that students receive on Jan. 9.  

During the meeting, Superintendent Leadriane Roby said, "We want to make sure that we are including your voice and, obviously, everybody is not going to like the same thing, but it's about having offerings and making sure that it's palatable, nutritious. It looks good and it tastes good. Those are all things that to me are equity issues. 

"I don't want anyone to leave here thinking that your voices have not been heard. We are going to explore it and are taking it very seriously," she added. "Thank you for your comments on that."

The board also noted, "The Grand Rapids Public Schools' board always welcomes students to speak in their public comment section of the meeting, allowing them to speak on anything they wish even off the agenda and out of order, near the beginning of the meeting, so that they still have the evening to do their homework and get some sleep. 

''At the Jan. 9 board meeting, there was an influx of students who came to speak to the board about the lunch options they receive and ask the board to make it a priority to improve in the future," the board said.

Students discussed how the Education Justice Team conducted a variety of listening sessions with parents and families across numerous districts in the county in fall 2022. 

Students and families reported that school food does not meet many of their standards through this program. Student organizations have been working to spread awareness about this complaint and to urge the district to redistribute their food revenues to better equip and supply school kitchens. 

They complained that the actual nutrition in the servings wasn't adequate and that there was a lot of processed food. According to others, many students skip lunch rather than eat the food provided. In many cases, students don't eat hearty or nutrient-dense meals at home, instead eating fast food or junk food. 

Roby expressed her appreciation for the students' advocacy. She added that this was an equity and access issue. In order to improve quality food and scratch cooking in the district, she said the board has been doing tours and attending educational sessions. Students were promised that progress was being made.