New York City Mayor Eric Adams and DOE Chancellor David C. Banks recently announced the launch of NYC’s first-ever Chef’s Council. It was founded in partnership with Wellness in the Schools, a nonprofit organization promoting healthy eating for NYC children in public schools. 

According to nyc.gov, Mayor Adams said, “The new Chefs Council will develop delicious, nutritious, culturally relevant meals for schools with direct input from students and parents.”

Members of the Chefs Council include American celebrity chef Rachael Ray, other nutritionists, culinary industry professionals, and other relevant professionals. During the 2022-23 school year, they will test new recipes that are plant-based and will create over 100 recipes in all five boroughs.

Theodora Koliodimou, a WJPS junior, said, “I think it will make our lunch more healthier, and they can make healthy food that also tastes good while being good for us. Personally, I don’t like an all-plant recipe, since our school is not funded enough to make all these changes in one go.”

“In terms of health it will improve but depending on the food, taste may vary. It may be good depending on the recipe, but some meals need a balance of different types of food. Sometimes having meat or a different type of protein might be better,” said WJPS freshman, Eleni Melissinos.