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  • Austin Forrest, from left, Josh Matherly and Kimberline Massie eat breakfast at Shady Spring High School. Around 250 students received a hot breakfast prepared by Culinary Arts students from Mountain State University in a trial run of the initiative. Rick Barbero

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February 1, 2012

‘Chefs-in-the-Schools’

Program feeds Shady Spring students

By Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter

— Shady Spring High School’s cafeteria was packed with students finishing homework, chatting with friends and eating pizza omelets Tuesday as part of “Chefs-in-the-Schools,” a new Raleigh County initiative to increase breakfast participation.

Shady Spring High School, the county school with the lowest percentage of students eating in the mornings, more than doubled its participation, said Emily D. Meadows, regional school wellness specialist for RESA 1.

Around 250 students received a hot breakfast prepared by Culinary Arts students from Mountain State University in a trial run of the initiative.

“Today was our first try and I think it was successful,” Meadows said.

“The cafeteria was totally full,” noted board member Larry Ford. “The pizza omelet seems to have been a big hit and we are hoping to continue to develop our relationship with MSU.”

Celeste Peggs, representing the State Department of Education’s Department of Child Nutrition, commented, “There are a lot of breakfast initiatives going on right now across the state. Some schools are experimenting with breakfast in the classroom after first period, having grab-and-go breakfasts, or having a promotional breakfast like this one.”

Peggs said the “Chefs-in-the-School” effort appeared to be successful.

“It is exciting to see kids offered a healthy breakfast and for so many to participate. Children can’t learn if they are hungry and eating breakfast makes kids healthier and helps them learn. When kids learn, it is a success for them and everyone in the community,” she added.

Several Raleigh County Board members and central office staff were on site to talk to students and support the healthy initiative.

Superintendent Dr. Charlotte Hutchens said it was an exciting morning. Students seemed pleased and several told her they would like to see the chefs come and cook omelets for them every morning.

Student Chef Chris Jones said going into the school and interacting with students was a lot of fun for him.

“I didn’t have breakfast at school when I attended, so I do think having a breakfast program is a good opportunity for them to eat healthy, especially in a world that is so conducive to fast food,” Jones explained. “In school, staff is able to control what is offered and make sure of how healthy it is.”

Board member Richard Jarrell added, “I think it’s a creative way to get kids interested in having breakfast. We know it’s the most important meal they will eat, and if we have to be creative to get their attention, we will.”

Students who ate the omelet breakfast were entered into a drawing to win one of several door prizes.

Meadows also explained that cards with conversation starters, like ‘”If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?,” were placed on tables to get students talking and maybe interacting with a new peer group.

In March, “Chefs-in-the-Schools” will visit Liberty High School. Meadows hopes the chefs will visit each one of the county high schools this year.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com

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