To the Frederick County Public Schools Administration and Board of Education,

We, the undersigned students and community members, respectfully submit this petition to advocate for healthier, more nutritious, and more transparent school lunch options within Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).

School meals play an important role in students’ daily nutrition and overall well-being. For many students, lunch served at school may be one of the most substantial meals they eat during the day. Because of this, it is essential that school meals support healthy development, concentration in the classroom, and long-term wellness.

However, many current school lunch options rely heavily on frozen and highly processed foods. Items such as breaded chicken products, frozen pizzas, packaged desserts, and other pre-made meals are frequently served. While these foods are convenient and shelf-stable, they are often classified as ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods are typically made with refined ingredients and additives such as preservatives, artificial flavorings, and emulsifiers. These foods may also contain higher levels of sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats while providing fewer essential nutrients.

Additionally, many school meals currently offer limited fresh food options. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed ingredients are sometimes less visible or less emphasized compared to processed entrée items. Students also often have limited access to clear information about the ingredients and processing levels of the foods being served.

As students who care about our health and the health of our peers, we believe there are practical steps that Frederick County Public Schools can take to improve the quality and transparency of school meals.

We respectfully propose the following actions:

Increase Whole and Minimally Processed Foods
- Prioritize meals made with whole ingredients such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and minimally processed proteins whenever possible. Increasing these options can help ensure students receive the nutrients necessary for growth and learning.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Food Options
- Gradually decrease the frequency of ultra-processed entrée items and packaged desserts in school menus. Replacing some of these items with healthier alternatives can improve the overall nutritional quality of school lunches.
Offer More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Expand the availability and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in school cafeterias. Providing more appealing fresh options can encourage students to build healthier eating habits.
Provide Clearer Information About Ingredients
- Improve transparency by making ingredient lists and nutritional information easily accessible to students and families. Clear labeling can help students better understand what they are eating and make informed food choices.

Our goal is not to criticize current staff or cafeteria operations, but rather to work collaboratively toward improving student health and well-being. School nutrition programs face many logistical and financial challenges, and we appreciate the work that cafeteria staff and administrators already do each day.

By continuing to improve school meal quality and transparency, Frederick County Public Schools can help students develop lifelong healthy eating habits and support better health outcomes for the entire community.

We respectfully request that FCPS review these recommendations and consider implementing policies that promote healthier, more accessible, and more transparent school meal options.

Sincerely,
Nishka Soni, Niriksha Ramesha, and the Citizens of Frederick County.