Photo courtesy of DREAM Charter School
As I walked through the front doors of DREAM Charter School’s East Harlem campus, I was immediately struck by how warm and alive the building felt. Sunlight poured through the entryway, colorful murals lined the walls, and there was a steady hum of energy that only a school at the start of the day can have. I was stepping into a community — one where students are clearly seen, supported, and celebrated.
I was there to visit DREAM’s school breakfast program, and from the very first moment, it was clear that care and intention are woven into everything they do.
I was warmly welcomed by staff whose pride in their school and students was immediately evident. I also had a chance to meet the cafeteria manager, whose quiet dedication spoke volumes.
As we walked through the building, we passed classrooms buzzing with activity. Students were engaged, curious, and confident — raising their hands, collaborating with classmates, and fully immersed in their lessons. Teachers greeted us with smiles, and students did too. It was clear that this was a space where learning and care go hand in hand.
The heart of the visit, though, was breakfast.
With a grant from No Kid Hungry New York, DREAM has implemented a hot grab-and-go breakfast model — and seeing it in action was powerful. The school has invested in high-quality food warmers, durable containers, and a thoughtfully set-up condiment station. But more importantly, they are invested in meeting students where they are.
That morning’s menu included fresh strawberry parfaits layered with granola, turkey, ham, and cheese sandwiches, and muffins — all prepared fresh daily. The food looked inviting, colorful, and satisfying. This wasn’t a rushed, last-minute offering. It was intentional, nutritious, and clearly made with care.
One of the most impactful parts of the program is how seamlessly it fits into students’ routines. Food warmers are brought up to every floor, so breakfast is accessible wherever students are. If a student is running late and only has two minutes before class, they can still grab a warm, complete meal and head straight to their classroom. Teachers are used to it; it’s simply part of the school’s normal operations now. There’s no disruption — just kids eating breakfast while getting ready to learn.
And it’s working.
Staff shared that breakfast participation has increased by 17% since implementing this model. Students are excited about the meals. They feel listened to. The school has taken the time to understand what kids actually want for breakfast — and then built a system that honors that.
That, to me, is what school meals are supposed to look like.
This visit was more than a program check-in. It was a reminder of what’s possible when schools are given the resources and flexibility to center students’ needs. DREAM Charter School isn’t just serving breakfast — they’re creating an environment where students feel cared for from the moment they walk through the door.
I left feeling genuinely inspired, grateful, and hopeful. Inspired by a school that’s doing it right. Grateful for partners who lead with humility and heart. And hopeful because when we invest in programs like this, we’re not just filling plates — we’re setting kids up for better days, better learning, and brighter futures.
