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Hybla Valley Elementary School added something unexpected to its Back-to-School Night: a hot supper that gave families a chance to sample Fairfax County Public Schools’ changing menu.

The school partnered with the Office of Food and Nutrition Services to test an after-school meal program offering free food to students and $5 meals to adults. The pilot received support from the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program and was administered by the Virginia Department of Education.

Food and Nutrition Services Operations Specialist Lindsay Capo led the event, which was designed to bring families closer to the school community while introducing new recipes made from scratch.

A revamped macaroni and cheese was the first dish put to the test. One student described it as “the good type of cheese,” while another said it should be added to the menu.

The recipe is part of FCPS’ broader move toward scratch cooking, which gives its food service staff greater control over ingredients, nutrition and taste. Capo said candid reactions from students help the team refine meals before serving them more widely.

Assistant Principal Erica LoMonaco saw the supper as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with families, many of whom live across the street from the school and could easily attend for a free meal.

She said the arrangement could also work at other schools: Food and Nutrition Services prepares the meal, while the school supplies the space and welcomes parents, students and other family members.

Clean trays and positive reactions suggested the first supper was a success. Capo said the program had significant room to grow.

The pilot supports FCPS’ effort to expand access to nutritious food while advancing its 2023-30 strategic plan goal of building stronger partnerships among homes, schools and their surrounding communities.