"This is a reimagined way for students to be able to experience dining in New York City schools," said Christopher Tricarico, the Senior Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services for New York City Public Schools. "Instead of our folks serving children, this is a self-serve option all the way from hot to cold to fruit and a salad bar.
The school's principal says the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning created an appetite for more collaboration. "Over here there's a Smartboard. They can play games there. We have a video game system that's connected to it. There can be studying over on that side," said Nora Brackett, principal. "Due to COVID, they spent a lot of time isolated. And so, one of the things that we want to do is put them together more."In all, the education department says 90 schools received an upgraded dining experience.