Welcome to the sixth season of Cobb's award-winning podcast, The Inside Scoop. In this episode, Emily Hamlin, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), joins David Owen to discuss the importance of healthy food and the critical role of the lunchroom. Ms. Hanlin describes the extensive team behind the scenes—including cafeteria workers, maintenance staff, and central office support—who collectively ensure that the daily food needs of students in 112 schools around the District are met.

The FNS department serves approximately 80,000 meals each day, a number that has increased due to rising student enrollment. A brand-new program, the Community Eligibility Provision (or CEP), provides for certain schools to offer free meals to all students without requiring families to complete meal applications. While not all schools qualify for this federal program, it has helped significantly to streamline access to free meals for eligible families.

FNS works hard to create a variety of meals while also keeping the quality high. Ms. Hanlin explains that the menu is designed to be both predictable and diverse, catering to the preferences of younger students who like routine while offering older students a wider range of choices. The department introduces new menu items every January, inspired by global flavors, to reflect the diverse community they serve. A registered dietitian ensures that meals are not only delicious but also meet nutritional guidelines.

Of course, dietary restrictions and allergies are also a concern for many parents and students. FNS is well-equipped to handle such needs and ensure all students have access to safe and nutritious meals. The team is committed to continuously improving and expanding their offerings to meet the needs of the entire student population.

Click here to listen to this important episode and learn much more.