Cafeteria Redesign

Cafeteria Redesign - the NYC Department of Education’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services’ Cafeteria Enhancement Experience (CEE) - is an innovative, highly cost-effective model that modernizes and transforms the cafeteria experience for students. It addresses two of the largest barriers to student participation in school meals: cafeteria environment and food appeal. The serving line is transformed into a deli-style service that is visually appealing and gives students more options on a daily basis. The seating area is student-centered with more welcoming, comfortable, and social seating.

As of October 2023, approximately one-half of the 500 cafeterias serving middle or high schools are completed or funded. CFA’s analysis found that high schools with redesigned cafeterias experienced an impressive 35% increase in student participation in school lunch. The serving line moves faster, giving students more time to eat, and more fruits and vegetables are served. Additionally, in CEE schools, students are presented with more choices and, as a result, produce less waste.

The Lunch 4 Learning (L4L) Coalition, led by Community Food Advocates, secured $125 million in capital funds for Cafeteria Redesign as of end of June 2023. CFA and L4L are advocating for $150 million more to ensure that all NYC middle and high schools students experience the benefits of cafeteria redesign. For this initiative to be truly equitable, every middle and high school community should have an enhanced cafeteria.