Northshore School District Honored for Featuring Culturally Inclusive School Meals

Northshore School District has been honored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) Child Nutrition Services as a recipient of the Rooted in Excellence Culturally Inclusive Meals award. The award program highlights the creativity, dedication, and impact of school nutrition teams across Washington state.

This award celebrates schools that honor and reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of their students through inclusive and representative menu offerings. Northshore was selected for its outstanding efforts to create a more inclusive dining experience by:

• Developing culturally inclusive scratch recipes based on Northshore’s diverse student population that provides the minimum creditable amount of at least one meal component and fits into weekly meal pattern requirements.
• Featuring a culturally inclusive scratch recipe (entree or sides) at least once per month.
• Removing barriers by implementing daily picture menus at all grade levels.

These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to equity, student engagement, and cultural celebration through food. This year, Northshore introduced five new culturally inclusive dishes representing cuisines from Brazil, Vietnam, Jamaica, and Indigenous America. These dishes join many other inclusive dishes developed over the years, representing cuisines from India, Korea, Mexico, China & Mediterranean regions.  

"This recognition reflects years of intentional work to strengthen meal access in Northshore,” said Juliana Fisher, Northshore’s Director of Food and Nutrition Services. “By offering culturally inclusive, scratch‑cooked meals alongside daily picture menus, we’re removing barriers and ensuring students of all backgrounds can access meals with comfort, dignity, and confidence."

The Culturally Inclusive Meals Award is one of several categories in the Culinary Excellence track, which also includes Breakfast Excellence, Farm to School, and Scratch Cooking. The Rooted in Excellence program also recognizes schools demonstrating leadership within Nutrition Education, Marketing and Promotion, and Partnerships and Engagement.

To learn more about the Rooted in Excellence recognition program, including award criteria and how to apply next year, please contact CNStraining@k12.wa.us.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.