At Cornerstone Schools, healthy eating is not an add-on – it’s an essential part of how we support student learning, wellness, and long-term success. Over the past several years, Cornerstone has expanded initiatives that increase access to nutritious food, strengthen nutrition education, and empower students and families to make healthier choices at school and at home.
In 2023, Cornerstone was a Healthy Meals Incentive Award Winner, receiving a Healthy Meals Incentive Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Action for Healthy Kids. The award recognized Cornerstone’s commitment to improving the nutritional quality of school meals while engaging students and families in meaningful, hands-on nutrition education.
Culinary Arts as a Pathway to Health and Skills
Since receiving the grant, the Culinary Arts program at Lincoln-King High School has continued to grow. This year, students launched the Eagle’s Nest Café, a student-run café where healthy menu items, such as smoothies, soups, and salads, are planned, prepared, and served by students.
“The café gives students ownership over what healthy food looks like and tastes like,” said Chef Michael Newton, Culinary Arts Instructor at LKHS. “They’re learning that nutritious meals can be creative, flavorful, and accessible. And they’re gaining skills they can use for a lifetime – both in their personal life and potentially a career..”
Culinary Arts as a Pathway to Health and Skills
Since receiving the grant, the Culinary Arts program at Lincoln-King High School has continued to grow. This year, students launched the Eagle’s Nest Café, a student-run café where healthy menu items, such as smoothies, soups, and salads, are planned, prepared, and served by students.
“The café gives students ownership over what healthy food looks like and tastes like,” said Chef Michael Newton, Culinary Arts Instructor at LKHS. “They’re learning that nutritious meals can be creative, flavorful, and accessible. And they’re gaining skills they can use for a lifetime – both in their personal life and potentially a career..”
Community partners have rallied behind this work. The Michigan Association of Health Plans recently presented a $2,500 gift to Chef Newton to support the culinary and healthy eating initiatives, reinforcing the importance of nutrition as a foundation for student success.
National Recognition for Innovative Nutrition Education
Earlier this year, both Lincoln-King High School and Jefferson-Douglass Academy received Innovation in Nutrition Education Awards through the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, recognizing programs that connect the classroom, cafeteria, and community.
At LKHS, a peer-led nutrition education program trained student leaders to model healthy behaviors and promote nutritious choices among their peers.These leaders led mini-lessons, facilitated taste tests, supported lunchroom events, and spoke at parent nights – encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption, trying new foods, and understanding the connection between food and health. “At the centerpiece of our innovation recognition was the Eagle’s Nest Cafe` Pairfait, which has become a staple healthy snack for our students,” added Chef Newton.
JDA took a hands-on, community-centered approach. Students and families participated in gardening projects, farm visits, cooking clubs, taste tests, peer-led lessons, and family workshops focused on food traditions, balanced meals, and healthy cooking.
“Eliminating barriers to healthy eating starts with education and access,” said Elijah Richardson, Cornerstone’s Director of Athletics and Fitness. “When students understand how food fuels their bodies – and they’re given opportunities to experience it firsthand – it changes how they think about their health, both now and in the future.”
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Elementary Students
Cornerstone’s youngest learners are also benefiting through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), a federal grant that provides free fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks to all kindergarten through fifth-grade students at four elementary schools. The program introduces students to a wide variety of produce while reinforcing healthy habits during the school day.
“For many of our students, school is where they have the most consistent access to fresh, healthy food,” said Keenan Penn, Sr, Principal of Adams-Young Elementary. “When students have access to healthy food throughout the day, they are more focused, more engaged, and better prepared to learn.”
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Elementary Students
Cornerstone’s youngest learners are also benefiting through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), a federal grant that provides free fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks to all kindergarten through fifth-grade students at four elementary schools. The program introduces students to a wide variety of produce while reinforcing healthy habits during the school day.
“For many of our students, school is where they have the most consistent access to fresh, healthy food,” said Keenan Penn, Sr, Principal of Adams-Young Elementary. “When students have access to healthy food throughout the day, they are more focused, more engaged, and better prepared to learn.”
Why Healthy Eating Matters
Research consistently shows that nutritious diets support improved concentration, better behavior, higher attendance, and stronger academic outcomes. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are linked to improved memory and attention – critical skills for learning.
Through award-winning programs and partnerships, Cornerstone is building a culture where healthy food fuels learning, leadership, and lifelong well-being.