Learning lab lunch in New Haven schools

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)-- Students at a New Haven school are dinning in style Thursday, thanks to a brand new cafeteria, and it's just the first of several 'cafeterias' in the Elm City that are getting a makeover.

"Now, with the program, I eat more healthy foods," said Aaliyah Chavis, a sixth-grader.

Why let learning stop at lunch time?  New Haven is transforming six of its elementary school cafeterias into learning labs, part of the district's Health for Achievement program.

"Around the country we've shown that transformations like this, with themed sort of cafeterias at the middle school and high school levels, have shown real changes in behavior in terms of kid culture, supportive behavior of trying new things," said Sue Peters, of C.A.R.E..

The theme here at Nathan Hale School, "Nathan's Galley," chosen by the kids, for the kids, to help them do better in class and in life, featuring a mural, menu screens, nutrition info monitors, and interaction, all in a day's lunch.

"We have learning carts, demonstrations of cooking, and other fun. We have game show activities, that maybe tables can compete," said Peters.

Another part of the interactive nature of the program is health classes, which are already underway, and the kids we've spoken to say it's already making a big difference.

"We read food labels and it told us what was healthy and not healthy," said Antonio Canuelas, a sixth-grader.

"I think it gives me a lot of energy to keep inside my body, and it could keep it healthy," said sixth-grader, A.J. DeJesus.

"I think it's good because it gives me energy and it teaches me a lot about healthy and unhealthy foods," said Chavis.

It's hoped all six cafeteria learning labs will be ready by fall. Next up, a jungle at the Jepson School.