When Students Take the Lead: A Recipe for Engagement at District 112
Making Lunch the Best Class of the Day
OrganicLife is one of the nation's leading food management companies, known for helping school districts create fresh, high-performing food service programs.
With chef-driven menus, farm-fresh ingredients and a proven ability to increase participation, we're a trusted partner and a resource for districts looking to elevate their cafeteria experience.
When Students Take the Lead: A Recipe for Engagement at District 112
North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park hosted a Pizza Challenge featuring students from Edgewood and Northwood Middle Schools. The event included a student focus group for feedback, food safety training and hands-on instruction from OrganicLife chefs on dough and sauce preparation.
Students worked in teams to create their own pizza recipes, with teachers judging the entries. The winning pizza featured cheese-stuffed crust topped with sauce, pepperoni, bacon and chicken — earning a coveted spot on the school menu.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing Over 2,000 Meals Daily
See what goes into preparing fresh meals for over 2,000 students every day. From chef techniques to farm-fresh ingredients, this behind-the-scenes look shows the care and craft that goes into every plate.
Spreading the Love: One Bowl of Mac & Cheese at a Time
Latasha Roberson serves as OrganicLife's Catering Director and Traveling Manager at Round Lake Area Schools District 116. Her mac and cheese has become legendary, with students constantly asking when it will be on the menu.
Beyond her signature dish, Latasha has made a real impact on student nutrition. Her approach to steamed vegetable preparation has nearly tripled consumption, as more students discover the appeal of well-prepared, fresh vegetables.
Stay Connected with OrganicLife
Want to see what other districts are doing to elevate their nutrition programs? Follow OrganicLife on LinkedIn, where we regularly share updates on the latest innovations, student engagement programs and success stories from schools across the region.
Have Questions About Your Food Program?
Districts often ask:
- How can we increase student participation?
- How do we balance nutrition, cost and quality?
- What changes can improve satisfaction among students and parents?
Whether you're a current partner looking to refine your program or a district exploring new options, we're here to help. Our team provides answers, insights and relevant case studies — no pressure, just practical guidance from people who understand school nutrition.
