Kindergartener Wins Top Prize for Healthy School Lunch Recipe

Grace Labriola's 'Gracie's Grilled Blackberry Chicken and Risotto with Corn' to be served district-wide.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic school lunch item such as an apple, carrot, or piece of grilled chicken, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the joy and pride of a student's healthy recipe achievement.A vibrant celebration of the creativity and healthy eating habits of students like Grace Labriola, whose award-winning school lunch recipe will now be enjoyed by peers across the district.Pompton Lakes Today

School Sixteen kindergarten student Grace Labriola has been named the Grand Prize Winner of the Pomptonian Food Service 7th Annual Healthy School Lunch Challenge for her creative and nutritious recipe 'Gracie's Grilled Blackberry Chicken and Risotto with Corn.' As part of her win, Pomptonian will recreate her dish for students across the entire district.

Why it matters

This achievement is especially meaningful for the School Sixteen community, as Grace's recipe marks the second time a student from the school has earned the contest's top honor since the competition began, reinforcing a growing tradition of excellence and student achievement.

The details

Grace's winning recipe stood out among submissions for its originality and balanced approach to nutrition. In recognition of her accomplishment, School Sixteen hosted a special ceremony on April 15 to celebrate her success and the pride she brings to her school.

  • Grace Labriola's recipe was named the Grand Prize Winner on April 15, 2026.

The players

Grace Labriola

A kindergarten student at School Sixteen who won the Grand Prize in the Pomptonian Food Service 7th Annual Healthy School Lunch Challenge.

Pomptonian Food Service

The food service company that hosts the annual Healthy School Lunch Challenge and will recreate Grace Labriola's winning recipe for students across the district.

School Sixteen

The school community that Grace Labriola attends, which is celebrating her achievement as the second student from the school to win the contest's top honor.

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What’s next

Pomptonian Food Service will begin serving Grace Labriola's winning 'Gracie's Grilled Blackberry Chicken and Risotto with Corn' recipe to students across the district.

The takeaway

Grace Labriola's achievement in creating a healthy and delicious school lunch recipe highlights the importance of empowering young students to make nutritious choices and the positive impact it can have on an entire school community.