A Longer Table strengthens school cafeterias so children are nourished and prepared to learn by building the workforce and systems to support scratch cooking.

Resources for Parents

Support your child’s growth — in the kitchen, classroom, and beyond.

→ Food Fellowship Overview + Application 
Discover how your child can apply for real-world skills, industry certifications, and college credits.

→ Food Explorers Club Lessons
Free, fun activities to explore cooking, taste, and food systems together at home.

→ Food Justice Mini-Lessons
Short, engaging lessons that spark big conversations about where food comes from and why it matters.

→ Donate 
Help us nourish more kids and create opportunities through food, every single day.

  • Why are school meals so important?

    Because for many kids, they’re not optional — they’re essential. School meals provide up to half of a child’s daily calories and are often the most consistent meals they receive. When school food is fresh and reliable, students can focus, learn, and grow.

  • What does a school meal look like at your partner schools?

    Meals are made fresh on-site. Our menus reflect student tastes, cultural traditions, and whole ingredients, with minimal processing when possible. These meals are prepared by skilled culinary teams who care deeply about the kids they’re feeding.

  • How is school food funded?

    Through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), schools receive reimbursement for each meal served. But in reality, current rates stretch budgets thin and often limit what’s possible when schools want to do much more.

    That’s where A Longer Table comes in. School food is the second-largest hunger relief system in the country. We fill the gap with training, tools, and systems that make high-quality, freshly made meals possible. Your support helps schools serve food with care and efficiency.

     

  • Is school food a form of hunger relief?

    Yes. School meals reduce hunger, and they also support physical health, improve focus in the classroom, and create daily routines that build connection and care. For many children, school food is the most consistent source of nourishment they receive—and it’s the second largest hunger relief program in the country, after SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps).

  • I want to bring Next Course Cafeterias to my child's school. What can I do?

    We’d love to explore that possibility. To get started, a school leader—such as a principal or food service director—needs to reach out. Here is some information about how they can do that.

  • How can my student join the Food Fellowship?

    The Food Fellowship is open to Marion County high school students who are curious about food, ready to grow their skills, and want to be part of something bigger. Applications open seasonally, and spots are limited.

    Learn more + apply for the Food Fellowship.

  • Is the Food Fellowship a cooking class?

    Not at all. Fellows learn about food systems, environmental impact, public health, and cultural food traditions. They also practice leadership, teamwork, and service—all skills that transfer far beyond the kitchen.

  • Why focus on food jobs?

    Food touches everything—from classrooms to hospitals to community centers. These jobs are local, durable, and vital. Too often seen as short-term or low-skill, jobs in food are in fact essential and enduring—and they deserve to be valued as such. The Food Fellowship prepares students for meaningful careers in food, where their work can build stronger communities and a more secure future.

  • What can I do as a parent?

School Food + Your Child’s District

School food is shaped by systems, not just choices. Federal policies, funding limits, labor shortages, and outdated infrastructure all play a role in what ends up on the tray. When families partner with their schools, school food becomes a powerful tool for learning, well-being, and long-term health.

These resources support families who want to contribute to something better by building relationships, understanding the structure, and strengthening what already exists.

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