In Killeen ISD cafeterias, students are seeing more fresh ingredients, trying new foods and connecting what’s on their tray to where it comes from.
That work is earning statewide recognition.
The district’s School Nutrition Department has received two honors from the Texas Department of Agriculture for excellence in student meal programs, local food integration and operational efficiency.
Killeen ISD recently earned the Cream of the Crop – Farm Fresh Initiative award, which highlights efforts to incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients into school meals, and the USDA Foods Utilization award, recognizing outstanding use of federally provided foods.
Through the Farm Fresh Initiative, districts across Texas are challenged each October to bring more local foods into their menus while engaging students through taste tests, school gardens and nutrition education. Killeen ISD was one of about 180 districts to participate.
Behind the scenes, the department is also focused on making the most of every resource. The USDA Foods Utilization award recognizes districts that effectively plan menus, control costs and incorporate USDA-provided foods into meals while maintainingquality, variety and compliance with federal standards.
“Killeen ISD is committed to creating an environment where every student has the support they need to succeed, and that includes access to nutritious, high-quality meals,” said Steven Smith, executive director of School Nutrition. “This recognition reflects the intentional work of our Child Nutrition team to lead, innovate and provide opportunities that help students thrive every day.”
The district’s approach combines innovation with stewardship supporting local agriculture, maximizing resources and creating opportunities for students to make connections to healthy food choices.
For Killeen ISD, the goal is simple: ensure students are supported not only in the classroom, but also through access to meals that help them learn, grow and succeed.