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First School Pilot: Lincoln Elementary

By Vegan Kitchen Team

We’re thrilled to announce our first school partnership: a 4-week pilot program with Lincoln Elementary School, serving approximately 200 students.

The setup

Working with Lincoln’s nutrition team, we developed a rotating menu that introduces students to plant-based options gradually:

  • Week 1: Familiar favorites with a twist (veggie tacos, pasta primavera)
  • Week 2: Global flavors (Thai peanut noodles, Mediterranean bowls)
  • Week 3: Build-your-own stations (burrito bowls, grain bowls)
  • Week 4: Student favorites from weeks 1-3

What we’re measuring

Beyond the obvious question of “do kids eat it?”, we’re tracking:

  1. Plate waste: How much food ends up in the trash?
  2. Participation rates: Do students choose the vegan option when alternatives are available?
  3. Feedback: What do students, teachers, and parents think?

Early observations

After the first week, we’re seeing positive signs:

“The tacos were so good! Can we have them again?” — 3rd grader

The nutrition team has been an incredible partner, helping us adapt serving sizes and presentation based on what works in their cafeteria.

What’s next

We’ll share a full report after the pilot concludes. If you’re a school interested in exploring a similar program, let’s talk.