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Baltimore City school officials are hoping that a change in students’ diets will lead to even bigger changes.

Chef Anthony Geraci has been hired to implement a new food service program in Baltimore schools, which will move away from serving preprepared, reheated meals. Students will instead be provided meals that Geraci cooks from scratch. Officials hope that the more nutritious meals will improve students’ physical fitness, behavior, and grades.

Said Geraci: “It’s unrealistic to expect a teacher to be able to execute a lesson plan if the child sitting in front of them is jacked up on Lucky Charms, or worse, no food at all.”

Geraci implemented a similar program in New Hampshire. Baltimore City schools will pay him $104,000 per year to work his magic here, where he will begin by focusing on breakfast. (Interestingly, Baltimore City is one of very few school districts nationwide to offer free breakfast to all students.)

The program will involve students in the process, having them create menus for class projects — with extra points for using local food and family recipes.

I think this is a rather interesting approach — although I’m not convinced it will have a significant effect on grades and behavior. However, it’s good to know these kids will be getting at least two “home-cooked” meals every day.

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