Our goal is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the cafeteria.
Through Classroom to Cafeteria, educators build meaningful relationships with their school food professionals.
Students learn about the food being served in their school cafeteria during regular classroom instruction.
The Model
Seven school food lessons aligned to our Food Education Standards
Educators collaborate with Pilot Light to develop curriculum resourcesthat work for their classrooms
Monthly professional development sessions for educators to develop Food Education knowledge and skills
“I was thrilled [to see] the increase in engagement in discussion and engagement in completing the academic tasks. My students…are now much more conscious of the food they are eating and their food choices.”
Classroom to Cafeteria Educator
“Food can bring us together, and food might give you a memory that you will never forget.”
3rd grade Classroom to Cafeteria student
“The Pilot Light videos and take‑home recipes boosted engagement and encouraged conversations at home. Students enjoyed using the worksheet to draw and write about a time they ate pasta with someone and how it made them feel. This simple activity supported both connection and expressive writing.”
Classroom to Cafeteria Educator
“The 5th grade students were highly engaged in exploring how personal experiences, family traditions, culture, and other factors influence food choices. Students thoughtfully reflected on their own eating habits and successfully explained their ingredient selections through both writing and discussion.”
5th Grade Educator
“The lesson encouraged creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking as students designed and shared their own toast creations while making meaningful connections to healthy food choices.“
5th Grade Educator
“I was impressed by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and passion students demonstrated as they worked to raise awareness about important food-related issues. This lesson empowered students to see that their voices matter and that they can make a difference in their school and community.”
5th Grade Educator
The results in NYC
Pilot Light is collaborating with the New York City Department of Educationas they invest in Food Education as a vital component of long-term student success. Following the pilot program in NYC Public Schools, educators reported a 25% increase in student knowledge about food’s sources and origins. 90% of teachers agreed their students were interested in participating in school-prepared food.
