Fourth-grader urges Woburn School Committee to change cafeteria vendor, asks for more vegetarian and cultural options

WOBURN — A fourth-grade student told the Woburn School Committee on May 20 that the school cafeteria lacks vegetarian and culturally diverse menu options and asked the board to consider switching the food vendor to Burlington’s program.

"The food in the cafeteria is not good, and I'm asking you to switch to the food they have in Burlington," the student, identified in the record as Isaac and described as a fourth grader, said during public comment. Isaac described limited daily options — "Most days, I just see people eating chicken nuggets, a burger, or hot dog" — and said vegetables are often "bendy" or "plain" and not eaten. He said there are "almost no vegetarian options" and that he often does not get lunch because he is vegetarian.

Isaac suggested specific alternatives including veggie burgers, rice and beans, pasta with pesto, curry, tacos, naan and other culturally diverse dishes. He said he reviewed Burlington’s menu and cited items such as a cheese panini, Caesar salad and meatless chicken nuggets as preferable options. "I would like to have a veggie burger or rice and beans or pasta with pesto," he said.

Committee members thanked Isaac for speaking; the committee did not take any formal action at the meeting in response to the public comment. The district’s food service provider, contract status, and any procurement timeline were not discussed during the meeting.

The committee did not provide a follow-up at the meeting; administration and the nutrition services office would be the appropriate contacts for questions about vendor contracts and menu decisions.