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The Whitsons team in Wallkill CSD, NY brought a “Taste of the Town” to School Lunch in a collaboration with the popular local restaurant Hudson Taco.

Students enjoyed tacos or bowls with a protein base choice of Seasoned Local Ground Beef, General Tso’s Chicken, or Korean BBQ Short Rib, a choice of Brown Rice or Quinoa, and onions and cilantro for toppings.  Delicious Street Corn, Guacamole, and Salad were all served as a side.

“Taste of the Town” connects Whitsons with local restaurants, delivering lunchtime meals that generate excitement amongst students in the cafeteria and help support local businesses in the community.  “This is what it’s all about, working together as one team – the district and Whitsons – to create something special for all the students and faculty,” said Marilyn DiGregorio, General Manager.  “This program will really bring the community together and create such a positive buzz!”

Marilyn worked with Hudson Taco to develop a menu that would both resonate with the school community and meet USDA nutritional requirements. This is the second time her team in Wallkill has partnered with a local restaurant to bring a “Taste of the Town” to students, previously partnering with the popular local BBQ restaurant, Handsome Devil.

Both events generated an overwhelming positive response from the students and district leadership. More collaboration events are in the works in Wallkill to continue to bring a “Taste of the Town” to the cafeteria, further connecting students to the community at school lunch.