In this episode of Cafeteria Confessions, we visit Lawrence Family Development Charter School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where a diverse, urban school community is rethinking what school lunch can be through student voice, wellness, and sustainability. From hands-on taste tests and student surveys that directly influence the menu to intentional efforts to boost participation, this school shows how listening to kids builds trust and engagement. 

We also dive into their standout composting and recycling program, which diverts more than 90 percent of cafeteria waste from landfills and saved the school $75,000 in just one year. With students actively leading the effort and bringing these habits home, this episode highlights how school meals can support equity, environmental responsibility, and whole-child wellness, proving that when schools invest in food thoughtfully, the impact reaches far beyond the cafeteria. 

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