The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) has been awarded a $617,770 grant through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support a two-year initiative aimed at improving the quality and nutritional value of school meals.
Through this project, the ICSD will review and enhance meal offerings across all schools, helping students enjoy healthier, whole food options. In partnership with FDA laboratories, breakfast and lunch items will be collected and analyzed to identify opportunities to transition from ultra-processed foods to whole, scratch-prepared meals. Comparison samples will be collected later in the year to measure the impact of menu changes and guide ongoing improvements.
The ICSD’s Child Nutrition Department has long been at the forefront of school meal innovation. Under the leadership of Beth Krause, registered dietitian and director of child nutrition, Jamie Zervos, executive chef, and Jennifer Doolittle, operations supervisor, the department prioritizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, balanced nutrition, and sustainable practices, creating meals that support student health and learning.
All students in the ICSD receive free breakfast and lunch every day, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals that fuel academic success and overall well-being.
“This grant is truly a game changer for the Child Nutrition department,” Beth Krause, Director of Child Nutrition, said. “With this funding, we can expand healthy food offerings for ICSD students, enhance meal quality, and place an even stronger emphasis on whole, nutritious options. The partnership allows us to provide meals that not only taste great but also promote long-term wellness.”
The project represents a significant step forward in the ICSD’s ongoing commitment to student nutrition, wellness, and innovation in school meal programs.