Food service leaders from six of the nation’s very largest districts–New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Orlando–have joined together over shared reform goals: lower prices, more sustainable production practice, and a pronounced shift in not just what’s served, but how–including how we talk to kids about food. And who best to consult with about that? The French, bien sur. This program was brought to you by Whole Foods Market.

Photo: Pierre Bonnard, The Children’s Meal, 1895

“As the six largest districts, we’re trying to be good custodians of the relationships we have with the national companies that influence the entire industry for school meals… When we’re talking with manufacturers and suppliers, we’re able to have an open dialogue with them that is very meaningful. Our unified voice is going to help them to be successful with all school districts, not just the largest.” [07:00]

–Stephen O’Brien on Inside School Food

“We really feel like there’s great opportunity for the community and legislators to start looking at our childhood nutrition programs as education programs. School meals are no different than transportation and textbooks and it goes to support academic performance of the students.” [20:00]

–Dora Rivas on Inside School Food