BCSD Nutrition Department uses Healthy Meals Incentive Grant to Explore Innovative Cooking Methods
- EricJones
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Baldwin County School District Nutrition Department is reimagining what school meals can be, thanks in part to a new Healthy Meals Initiative grant from the USDA. From smoothie bikes in elementary schools to a student-favorite coffee bar at Baldwin High, the department is working hard to ensure every child has access to healthy, exciting meals in the 2025–2026 school year.
Coffee Bar Boosts Breakfast at Baldwin High
Breakfast participation at Baldwin High School saw a major jump last semester thanks to the launch of a new coffee bar. “We wanted to increase those numbers,” explained Nutrition Wellness Coordinator Aketi Mayweather. “The coffee bar helped us add about 300 more students eating breakfast. Students love it, and parents don’t need to worry. We’re not giving them a lot of coffee. Just a couple of ounces mixed with milk, which even helps us meet the USDA requirements.”
By using sugar-free syrups and healthier options, the coffee bar not only boosted participation but also aligned with the district’s goal of reducing sugar in student meals.
Rock the Bike: Smoothies with a Twist
In Baldwin’s primary and elementary schools, the Nutrition Department is engaging students in a more active way. The Rock the Bike initiative allows kids to hop on a stationary bike that powers a blender—creating fresh smoothies on the spot.
“We’re trying to get kids to enjoy milk more and love fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Mayweather. “They get to ride the bike, make their smoothie, and then enjoy something delicious they created themselves!” This fun, hands-on approach is inspiring younger students to try new foods while associating healthy eating with excitement and creativity.
Fresh Training for Cafeteria Teams
The department also brought in culinary trainer Carla Kessell, a Rational representative and restaurant owner herself, to provide hands-on instruction for Baldwin’s cafeteria staff. Her mission: to help cooks reduce sodium and sugar while elevating flavors with fresh ingredients.
“We’re helping schools move away from processed foods full of sodium, sugar, and additives,” Kessell explained. “Our focus is on scratch cooking where possible, or speed scratch, taking semi-prepared items and elevating them with fresh, whole ingredients.”
During her workshops, staff prepared a simple pesto with basil, cheese, lemon, and garlic. “With a few clean ingredients, you can make something delicious without relying on processed products,” Kessell said.
Healthier Choices, Brighter Futures
From new recipes to fun initiatives, the Baldwin County Schools Nutrition Department is already seeing results. Participation in both breakfast and lunch is climbing, and students are discovering new reasons to get excited about school meals.
“We’re really thinking outside the lunch box here at Baldwin County School District,” Mayweather said. “By reducing sugar, cutting sodium, and adding creative programs, we’re giving our kids the healthiest meals possible and they’re excited to eat them.”
With energized staff, new culinary training, and innovative student-focused programs, Baldwin County is proving that good food fuels great learning.
