New York City school kids testified to the City Council Wednesday about unpopular food options that have some students tossing their lunch in the trash.

The council raised concerns about the meals being served to students after images of less-than-appetizing dishes circulated on social media.

“I’ve been served stale waffles during breakfast and barely cooked chicken nuggets and fries,” one student testified.

“During the pandemic, students were served ham and cheese sandwiches and peanut butter sandwiches, which as a student who’s eaten them before, know that they’re not able to keep me energized throughout the school day.”

Other students testified that some food choices didn’t meet their religious or dietary restrictions — and those are only the meals the kids actually put down.

“Bottom line is we want all our children to have access to fresh nutritious healthy food that’s also appealing and tastes good, so they’ll actually eat it and not throw it in the trash,” said Rita Joseph, chair of the education committee.

Cafeteria staffing levels are just now rebounding to its pre-COVID-19 pandemic size, DOE officials said.


  Students have noted the quality of food served in city schools has declined since the COVID pandemic. NYC Council Students have noted the quality of food served in city schools has declined since the COVID pandemic. NYC Council

  Some students have also complained the food doesn’t comply with their religious or dietary restrictions. NYC Council Some students have also complained the food doesn’t comply with their religious or dietary restrictions. NYC Council

  Rita Joseph, chairperson of the Education Committee, stressed students should be served nutritional food that also tastes good. NYC Council Rita Joseph, chairperson of the Education Committee, stressed students should be served nutritional food that also tastes good. NYC Council

Christopher Tricarico, senior executive director at the Office of Food and Nutrition Services, said there’s room for improvement.

“My team, the department needs to do a little bit better job on the menu next year in September, and you will see that clearly pointed out in the menu so there is no confusion around the options,” he said.

One council member asked Tricarico what officials could do to make sure the kids actually eat what’s served to them. Tricario suggested principals might try putting the food down themselves.


  Joseph holding the meeting while students offer their testimony from a separate location. NYC Council Joseph holding the meeting while students offer their testimony from a separate location. NYC Council

  Joseph overheard several students’ testimonies of being served gross school lunches. NYC Council Joseph overheard several students’ testimonies of being served gross school lunches. NYC Council

“As a principal, I went down to the lunchroom and I ate with my students,” he said. “I think when we start to get more into that, and we have the school administration, parents and students together and having the same conversation, we do increase participation across the board.”

The hearing followed images and reports of menu options, including an anonymous student’s Instagram account that focused on the food in a Queens school.

The account, @bsgelunch, has been documenting the food served at the Baccalaureate School for Global Education, with a recent post showing “mushy” chicken tenders and a weak serving of French fries.


  Students have complained about the choices and quality of food at NYC schools. Getty Images Students have complained about the choices and quality of food at NYC schools. Getty Images

  The Department of Education asserted chick pea wraps are available on Fridays. NYC Schools The Department of Education asserted chick pea wraps are available on Fridays. NYC Schools


  The DOE claims vegan lunch options are available to students. NYC Schools The DOE claims vegan lunch options are available to students. NYC Schools

  Joseph demanded students be served “fresh nutritious healthy food.” NYC Schools Joseph demanded students be served “fresh nutritious healthy food.” NYC Schools

“School lunch sucked this year and I can only dream that it gets better next year,” the post said. “DOE if you’re reading this please bring garlic bread back.”

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy