Richmond Students Taste Test New School Lunch Options

Elementary students provide feedback on 30 food concepts from 14 vendors

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:12pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of several children seated around a table, their hands and body language suggesting they are tasting and discussing various food items in a relaxed, conversational setting.Richmond students provide valuable feedback on new school lunch options, helping to shape a more nutritious and appealing cafeteria menu.Richmond Today

For the second year in a row, Richmond Public Schools invited 135 students from across the district to a 'Small Fry Social' food tasting event at Clark Springs Elementary. The students sampled a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dessert options, using bingo chips to cast votes on the dishes they liked best. The results of the students' favorite foods will be released in the next few weeks.

Why it matters

By involving students directly in the menu selection process, Richmond Public Schools is empowering young people to have a voice in the foods served in their cafeterias. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the district is offering nutritious and appealing meal options that students will actually enjoy eating.

The details

The food-filled field trip featured 14 vendors and 30 different food concepts, ranging from breakfast and dessert to fusion recipes and seafood. Students used bingo chips to cast 'red light, green light' votes on the dishes, with a 'golden chip' for their absolute favorites. Several students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide input on the school menu.

  • The 'Small Fry Social' food tasting event took place on April 14, 2026.
  • The results of the students' favorite foods will be released in the next few weeks.

The players

Shannon Ebron

Director of school nutrition services for Richmond Public Schools.

Clark Springs Elementary School

The school that hosted the 'Small Fry Social' food tasting event.

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What they’re saying

“We are here at Clark Springs Elementary School, and we are having our second food show with our elementary students.”

— Shannon Ebron, Director of school nutrition services

“This time we're doing like a red light, green light thing with bingo chips. So we have red if it's a no, green if it's a yes, and then we have a golden chip.”

— Shannon Ebron, Director of school nutrition services

“I feel like that I'm really important to like get the school another chance to get good food.”

— Student

“So I feel like today is great day because we all ate what we wanted and what we voted for.”

— Student

What’s next

The results of the students' favorite foods from the 'Small Fry Social' event will be released in the next few weeks.

The takeaway

By actively involving students in the school lunch menu selection process, Richmond Public Schools is demonstrating a commitment to providing nutritious and appealing meal options that students will actually enjoy. This collaborative approach empowers young people to have a voice in the foods served in their cafeterias.