LAMBERTVILLE — The look of sheer terror permeated the faces of a few kindergarten students at Douglas Road Elementary School in Lambertville.
The big bowl of black bean and corn salsa on a table was the first thing they saw when they walked into the lunchroom. The students were encouraged to take and try the small cups of the snack.
“I really liked it,” said Everly Black, 6. “I would try it again, I think. I liked the corn in it a lot.”
That was great news for Shelly Farris, food service director for Chartwells K12 Food Service and Bedford Public Schools.
The food service department has introduced the new Mood Boost program, created by chefs at Chartwells. Students are exposed to a variety of new foods that encourage healthy eating habits while allowing them to try interesting and unique items not normally offered in a school cafeteria.
“Our goal is to create and cook healthy foods kids love to eat,” Ms. Farris said. “We want to create a space where kids can connect and recharge. The Mood Boost program brings fun and education to lunchtime and helps students connect what they eat to how they feel.”