Welcome to our new 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 fuel they need learn, grow and thrive. This month, we heard from Steve Klock, Food Service Director for Binghamton City School District and Vestal Central School District, and a member of the Broome-Tioga BOCES Rock On Cafe Food Service team. Located in New York’s Southern Tier, Steve described Binghamton City School District as a “fast-paced urban district with a lot of passion”.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now in your school meals program?
Balancing affordability with providing nutritious meals is always a challenge. Ensuring that meals meet guidelines while staying within budget is a constant struggle in school food service. The cost of replacing and maintaining equipment is a major challenge to our school meals program as well.
How do you get kids excited to eat school breakfast?
We try to offer numerous breakfast choices to our students in colorful and inviting settings. We recently had a contest where everyone who chose a smoothie breakfast during the week was put in a drawing for a prize. This gave a lot of students the opportunity to try something new they may not have had before. Thanks to some of our partners, we were able to give away four blenders as well as movie passes and Amazon gift cards. This was a tremendous success, and we are already planning our next contest!
What’s your favorite breakfast to serve? What do the kids love to eat?
I would have to say French toast for the students. We know the kids LOVE this meal and they look forward to it whenever it is on the menu. They also enjoy our breakfast pizza and breakfast sandwiches. We try to incorporate protein whenever possible at breakfast, even though it is not mandated, so that we know our students are starting off their mornings with something filling to keep them fueled until lunch.
What keeps you motivated to do this work?
The kids. It’s knowing we provide a small yet critical investment into their current health and future success. I can ensure while they are with me and my team they will have access to a warm cooked meal everyday no matter what. Hearing a small “thank you” is all that is needed to keep going daily.
If you could tell everyone in America something about school breakfast, what would you tell them?
Breakfast is not just a meal, it’s a catalyst for academic success and a lifelong journey of health for our students. Our commitment goes beyond the generic portrayals; we collaborate with a team to provide nutritious breakfast experiences which include fruits, whole grains, and dairy to instill balanced diets for our students. From homemade smoothies to yogurt parfaits and breakfast sandwiches, I would invite everyone to join us. Breakfast is more than just a meal, it helps our students shape their future filled with healthy habits
At No Kid Hungry New York, we thank Steve and food service staff members at Binghamton City 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 program!