MAYOR ADAMS AND CHANCELLOR BANKS ANNOUNCE EXPANSION OF CAFETERIA ENHANCEMENT EXPERIENCE

CEE Initiative Will Transform More Than 80 School Cafeterias in the Next Year

 

City Also Announces Commitment to Expanding Access to Halal Food in Schools, Fulfilling Key Commitment From Mayor Adams

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks today announced the expansion of the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience (CEE), as part of the city’s reimagining of the student dining experience and city’s ongoing commitment to health and nutrition. With an additional $50 million in capital funding in Fiscal Year 2023, the CEE initiative will transform more than 80 cafeterias into warm and welcoming spaces for students to enjoy nutritious meals.

 

Today’s announcement also included a doubling down of the city’s commitment to expanding access to halal options to schools across New York City, fulfilling a key commitment of Mayor Adams. If any school communities are interested in an extended halal menu, their school principal will work with the entire school community and the Islamic Leadership Council of New York to add the service to the respective site.

 

“The classroom isn’t the only place in a school building where a child learns. After two years of the pandemic, we realize how important it is for students to be able to socialize and interact with each other in a comfortable setting over a healthy, culturally appropriate meal,” said Mayor Adams. “That’s why we are proud to announce a $50 million investment this school year to upgrade more than 80 lunchrooms under the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience and double down on our commitment to providing halal options for all schools who want them. This is just another step we’re taking to ensure our schools are places where every child feels seen and heard — where all children, no matter their background or ability, can learn inside and outside of the classroom, and grow into well-rounded and emotionally secure adults. I’m grateful to our school communities, food service workers, and all the New Yorkers working to feed, nurture, and take care of every one of our kids.”

 

“Each day, hundreds of thousands of students rely on schools to provide nourishing and nutritious meals. When our students are well fed and taken care of, they perform better in the classroom and are more likely to make healthy decisions later in life, which is why it is so important that our cafeterias are welcoming environments,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “The Cafeteria Enhancement Experience transforms the student dining experience, turning cafeterias into gathering places for our students, and I’m grateful even more of our students will have the chance to enjoy these spaces in the coming year.”

 

“Creating a food environment that is culturally inclusive and easier for students to make a healthy choice is a major responsibility of the city,” said Mayor’s Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. “The Cafeteria Enhancement Experience stimulates meal participation and leads to greater consumption of fruits and vegetables. I look forward to the continued equitable expansion of this program to ensure our kids are provided with nutritious meals to support academic success.”

 

The Cafeteria Enhancement Experience initiative is centered around four core pillars:

1. Student choice: Enhanced cafeterias feature a variety of ways to consume whole fruits, vegetables, snacks, or fresh-cut produce from salad bars.
2. Fast service: Students won’t have to wait on line for meals, leaving more time to relax and unwind with classmates.
3. Modern style: The CEE initiative redesigns cafeteria with an emphasis on creating a warm and welcoming environment.
4. New furniture: Comfortable tables and chairs welcome students to their new space.

Middle and high schools that receive a cafeteria enhancement are identified by a range of factors, including enrollment and participation at that site, with an emphasis on schools in neighborhoods disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and older school buildings. Design decisions regarding the cafeteria redesigns are made in partnership with individual school leadership. 

“New York City students deserve to enjoy fresh food and nourishing meals every day,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “As a city, we also have a responsibility to provide culturally and religiously appropriate food, including kosher and halal meals, in schools where there is need. This announcement of the expanded Cafeteria Enhancement Experience is welcome news and an important step towards creating learning and social environments that benefit all students.”