Special to IFN
Each October, schools across the country celebrate National School Lunch Week (NSLW), a time to highlight the importance of healthy school meals and recognize the dedicated staff who serve them each day. This year’s theme, “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport,” inspired Iredell-Statesville Schools to take students on a global journey through food, culture, and creativity. From colorful decorations to international menus, cafeterias were transformed into lively destinations celebrating nutrition and adventure.
Sharon Elementary Flies High
Sharon Elementary transformed into a global travel destination during NSLW, celebrating the theme “Taste the World.” Students participated in a schoolwide coloring contest, with winners receiving art-themed prizes, and a grade-level dress-up competition, with winners receiving prizes generously donated by the PTO. Photo ops with airplane cutouts, tropical and Mexican-themed decorations, and a passport stamping station made lunchtime feel like a true world adventure. Music provided in the cafeteria by Michelle Head set the perfect in-flight soundtrack, adding to the travel-inspired atmosphere. Students sampled international dishes, including Mandarin Chicken, Mexican Tacos, Belgian Fries, South American Sweet Potatoes, Dutch Apple Pie, and Indian Oranges, while the School Nutrition team dressed in themed costumes to serve students from around the world — right in their cafeteria.
Central Elementary Embarks on an Adventure
Central Elementary students set off on a flavorful journey with “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport.” Art teacher Latoya Davidson helped students create colorful lunch passports, which were stamped each day when they enjoyed school lunch. Those who filled their passports earned a sweet cookie reward from the PTO. Morning announcements featured daily “flight updates” with menu highlights, and the cafeteria transformed into a travel hub with hot air balloons, world maps, and bright decorations under the banner “Let Your Adventure Begin.” Central Elementary proved that lunchtime can be a true adventure—no boarding pass required!
Troutman Elementary Takes Flight with Flavor
At Troutman Elementary, the School Nutrition Team proudly wore their “Taste the World” T-shirts while leading NSLW celebrations. A vibrant bulletin board featuring a world map took center stage, and colorful posters in the serving area showcased countries represented by students across the school community. The week’s main event was a taste test of Ham and Cheese Croissants, a French-inspired treat. Students sampled the new item and gave it high marks for flavor—showing that a sense of adventure can begin right in the school lunch line.
Lake Norman Elementary Waves the Flags
Lake Norman Elementary brought global flair to its cafeteria, transforming the space into a vibrant international café. Flags from around the world adorned the walls and serving area, creating a colorful display celebrating unity through food. Students “traveled” from country to country with each meal, proving that lunchtime at Lake Norman Elementary is where the world comes together—one bite at a time.
South Iredell High Expands Global Tastes
At South Iredell High, students took their taste buds on a quick trip to Italy with a taste test of Ciabatta Bread, a traditional Italian favorite. The event gave students the opportunity to sample a new menu ideas and provide feedback, giving the bread high marks for both flavor and texture. South Iredell High proved that even a single flavorful stop can make the “Taste the World” journey worthwhile.
Union Grove Showcases Healthy Choices
At Union Grove Elementary, students explored the world of healthy eating during NSLW. The dining room featured a colorful bulletin board highlighting the five food groups, while NSLW-themed pictures decorated the serving line to inspire balanced meal choices. Even while embracing the “Taste the World” theme, Union Grove Elementary showed that every meal can be an adventure in nutrition.
Third Creek and Scotts Elementary Display Artistic Adventures
At Third Creek and Scotts Elementary, students joined in the “Taste the World” celebration with creativity and color. Both schools provided NSLW-themed coloring sheets that allowed students to showcase their artistic talents while learning about global foods and cultures. The completed masterpieces were proudly displayed throughout the dining rooms, transforming the spaces into vibrant galleries of student artwork. These colorful displays added an extra touch of adventure to lunchtime, reminding everyone that exploring the world can begin right at the lunch table.
District-Wide Menu Brings Global Flavors
Across the district, students took their taste buds on a global adventure with a special NSLW menu featuring both familiar favorites and international-inspired dishes. Classic items like hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches were served alongside global offerings such as Chicken with Dutch Waffles, Mandarin Chicken with Fried Rice, and Pepperoni Pizza. Colorful sides, including glazed carrots, broccoli with cheese, baked sweet potatoes, tater tots, and green peas, turned every meal into an opportunity to taste the world while making balanced, healthy choices.
Celebrating NSLW Across the District
The Iredell-Statesville Schools School Nutrition Department extends its heartfelt thanks to the schools and PTOs for their support and participation. From elementary schools filled with adventure to high schools expanding their palates, Iredell-Statesville Schools made this year’s National School Lunch Week a celebration to remember—proving that learning about nutrition can truly take students around the world.
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