Welcome back to our blog series, the No Kid Hungry New York Partner Spotlight. Each month, we’ll be speaking to our partners across the state, learning what’s new in their school meals programs, and celebrating the tremendous work they do to ensure that more kids have access to the the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This month, we heard from Kristin Colarusso at Massena Central School District, a five-school PK-12 district along the St. Lawrence River.
Can you describe your community and school district? What do you love about where you live and work?
Our school district is located in a rural area of upstate New York, right on the border with Canada. We are a small, tight-knit community, and our school district serves as the hub for much of the activity and support for local families. Our district is home to students from preschool through 12th grade, and we are proud to serve a diverse population. While we face challenges, particularly with high poverty, we are resilient and deeply committed to our mission of caring for and nurturing every student who walks through our doors. Our community values relationships, and we work hard to ensure that all of our students, no matter their circumstances, have the opportunities they need to succeed. What I love about where I live and work is the sense of connection. It’s amazing to see the ways the community comes together to support each other, whether through outreach events, volunteer efforts, or simply being there for one another. There is a deep pride in our school district, and the commitment from both staff and community members to take care of our children is truly inspiring. Being part of a place where everyone is focused on the well-being and success of our youth makes it a special place to live and work.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now in your school meals program?
Our school meals program is an essential part of our effort to support our students, especially in a high-poverty district like ours. However, we are currently facing a few challenges that make it difficult to consistently meet the needs of all our students.
One of the primary challenges is ensuring that we have enough resources to provide nutritious and balanced meals for all students, particularly with rising food costs. We strive to provide high-quality meals that support our students’ health and academic performance, but as prices increase, it becomes harder to maintain the level of service we aim to offer.
Another challenge is meeting the diverse dietary needs of our students. We have a wide range of preferences and requirements, including food allergies, cultural diets, and personal preferences, which requires flexibility in our meal planning. While we are committed to accommodating every student, managing this diversity with limited resources and staffing can be a challenge.
Additionally, we sometimes face logistical issues related to the transportation of food, especially during the winter months when weather conditions can delay deliveries or disrupt service. The difficulty of getting food to our rural area on time can affect our ability to offer meals consistently and on schedule.
Despite these challenges, we are dedicated to providing students with healthy meals, and we continually explore creative solutions to overcome these obstacles. We rely on the support of our community and partners to help us ensure that every child receives the nourishment they need to succeed.
What about your breakfast program are you particularly proud of?
Our breakfast program is one of the initiatives we are particularly proud of because it plays a vital role in ensuring that all students have access to a nutritious start to their day. In our district, many of our students rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition, and breakfast is an important part of that support. One aspect of the program that we are especially proud of is how it fosters a sense of community and connection. We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming atmosphere where students can gather with their peers before school starts, helping to set a positive tone for the rest of their day. Whether students are enjoying breakfast in the cafeteria or participating in our grab-and-go options, they know that they’re getting a healthy meal that will fuel their learning. We’ve been able to expand participation through CEP, partnerships and outreach, making sure that no child feels left out or stigmatized for taking part in the program. Finally, we’re also proud of our efforts to offer nutritious options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. We work hard to provide a variety of food choices, so every student can enjoy a breakfast that supports their health and energy levels throughout the morning. This program is more than just a meal – it’s a foundation for our students’ success, and we’re committed to making it as effective and inclusive as possible.
What’s your favorite breakfast to serve? What do the kids love to eat?
One of our students’ all-time favorite breakfast options is our breakfast sandwiches. They love the combination of a warm, cheesy egg and turkey sausage sandwich, served on a whole grain English muffin. It’s a perfect grab-and-go option, and it’s always a hit with the kids. It’s filling, convenient, and provides the energy they need to get through the morning. Another breakfast favorite is our fruit and yogurt parfaits. The kids love the variety of fresh fruits, crunchy granola, and smooth yogurt, and it’s a nutritious, refreshing way to start the day. It’s great to see them enjoy a healthy option that also feels like a treat! Both of these options are not only popular but also provide a great balance of nutrients to help students stay energized and ready to learn. We’re always excited to see how much the kids enjoy these meals, and it’s wonderful to know they’re getting something they love while starting their day off right.
What keeps you motivated to do this work?
What keeps me motivated to do this work is the deep sense of purpose and the belief that we can make a real difference in the lives of our students. Working in a high-poverty district, I see firsthand the challenges many of our families face, but I also see the incredible potential in every child. The work we do in our school district isn’t just about academics—it’s about helping our students feel seen, valued, and supported, no matter their background. When I see a child walk into school with a smile, knowing they’ve had a good breakfast, or when a student who’s been struggling finally grasps a new concept, it reminds me of why this work matters. It’s about making sure that every child, regardless of where they come from, has the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. Our community is resilient, and we come together to support one another, which gives me the energy to keep pushing forward. I am constantly inspired by the students, families, and staff who work together every day to create an environment where learning can thrive. That sense of shared responsibility and collective effort is what keeps me motivated.
At No Kid Hungry New York, we thank Kristin and the food service staff members at Massena Central School District for their dedication and enthusiasm in feeding kids throughout the school year. We’re grateful to support their work and honored to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary programs!