Welcome to another edition of the No Kid Hungry New York Partner Spotlight! Across New York, schools and community partners are finding creative ways to strengthen school meals programs and help more children access the nutritious meals they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Through this monthly series, we’re highlighting the people and partnerships behind that work, sharing lessons learned, and celebrating the impact happening in communities across the state.
This month, we’re heading to Central New York to hear from Hayley Mielnicki from Utica City School District.
Can you describe your community and school district? What do you love about where you live and work?
“Our district has 13 school buildings, 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and one high school – totaling roughly 10,000 students in enrollment. We are currently serving around 3,500 breakfasts and 6,500 lunches per day. Our community is incredibly diverse, with over 40 languages spoken and many of our staff, students and faculty are refugees or immigrated to this country. My favorite part about where I live and work is that our community so incredibly welcoming and shows up for each other.”
What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now in your school meals program?
“Severe understaffing and increased turnover.”
What’s new in your school breakfast program?
“A vending machine that dispenses reimbursable breakfasts at our high school!”
How do you get kids excited to eat school breakfast?
“New item samplings!”
If you could invite someone famous to breakfast at your school, who would it be and why?
“Bobby Flay, his passion for food would be welcomed!”
If you could tell everyone in America something about school breakfast, what would you tell them?
“It’s free of charge [in New York State], nutrient dense and helps students to be set up for their day of learning!”
What’s unique and special about your school breakfast program?
“Most of our staff speak English as a second language. We have about 12 different languages spoken throughout our staff of 200 individuals.”
What’s the best feedback you’ve gotten about the work you’ve done in your breakfast program?
“That students are excited about the new menu items and sampling we conduct.”
What are you most proud of regarding your breakfast program?
“The increase in participation over the past school year!”
How has universal school meals impacted your breakfast program, your team, and your students?
“Increased participation!”
At No Kid Hungry New York, we’re grateful to Hayley and the entire food service team at Utica City School District for their dedication to ensuring students have access to nutritious meals throughout the school year. We’re proud to support their efforts and excited to share their story!
