MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Madison Metropolitan School District launched their new pilot program for made-from-scratch lunches to provide healthier options for students.

Nuestro Mundo Elementary School students got to try out the new scratch-cooking food program Thursday. Students lined up to try out recipes from both MMSD and the Chef Ann Foundation Cookbook.

“Students are going to see something today that’s very different from what they have been seeing,” MMSD Director of Food & Nutrition Josh Perkins said.

Perkins is leading this program after being awarded the Chef Ann Foundation’s Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship. It is a 13-month fellowship promoting healthy eating and dietary inclusion.

With the help of this fellowship, the school district received input from students for the pilot program.

“They want the food to seem fresh. That shows care for the students; that they prepare food fresh for you. And then, they can see that in the colors and smells that you can smell right now,” Perkins explained.

Perkins also said it’s all about getting children to eat fresh and tasty meals.

“This is the kind of food that we should be putting in front of students in Madison. They have a tall order in front of them trying to learn and grow and figure out exactly what they’re going to be doing with their lives. And, we owe it to them to nourish them appropriately and healthily during the school day,” Perkins said.

Pollo loco marinated and spiced chicken, honey ginger tofu, cilantro-lime fried rice and roasted broccoli was on the menu Thursday morning. The school district will continue to get feedback from students as they implement this program.

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