We Like This Idea: But Will The Kids Eat It Up?

Recently, we took a look at student lunches from different parts of the world. Then, we profiled how one Utah school district had developed the novel idea of using a student focus-group to sample proposed lunchtime entrees.

Now we have learned from The Boston Globe that a charter school in Marblehead, Massachusetts, is serving French Food to students:

With its fresh vegetables, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, the Mediterranean diet is the ''gold standard for healthy eating," says Bill Idell, a former chef and director of nutrition services at the Marblehead Community Charter Public School.

Idell has brought this credo to the lunch table and the classroom. Using a short-term grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Healthy Choices initiative and donations from local companies (Iggy's Bread of the World in Cambridge donates their breads), Idell is introducing the food of Provence to middle school students. The ingredients that characterize this cuisine of southern France exemplify the Mediterranean diet and are already familiar to most students, many of whom learn French in the classroom as well.

The special cuisine is served once per month, costs the regular price of $2.50, and surprisingly, has proven to be popular with students. The menu one day was: white bean soup, goat cheese croutons on mesclun greens, couscous salad, ratatouille, and other regional dishes. We are just a little curious what the kids would think about eating a little escargot.

And just remember...no matter what happens in this crazy, mixed-up world, we'll always have Paris... -------------------------For the latest edition of The Carnival Of Education, click here.

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