F bar laredo3/22/2023 ![]() Robert and his staff consulted the Student Menu Advisory Committee (SMAC), a group of 4 to 5 students from each school that provide suggestions and approval for the district’s menu cycles. “If you do not showcase it, do not offer a nice presentation, students will not eat it.” Robert recognized this at the earliest stages of applying for the district’s eight salad bars through Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools (LMSB2S), and set out to involve the most important critics of all – the students. Community critics anticipated the salad bars being a waste of money, and that the program would not live up to Robert’s expectations. Robert was told that the children would not eat the fruits and salads that were to be offered. Many students come from disadvantaged homes and backgrounds that don’t necessarily have the ability to support healthy at-home meals made with fresh fruits and veggies. ![]() The district, comprised of over 24,000 students, has a 98.2% free and reduced rate. When the district first announced it would pursue a salad bar program in its 31 schools, it was met with extreme skepticism. Times have changed in Laredo students and staff have not always been motivated to bring healthy habits into the lunchroom. He reports to us that salad bars have been a huge part of this transformation. Born and raised in Laredo, and a part of Laredo ISD for over 11 years, Robert has watched the district transform into the health-conscious and innovative institution that it is today. Within the first five minutes of our discussion, it was evident that Robert’s passion for keeping Laredo’s children healthy and well-fed is a driving force in his life and work. He is also the Chairman of the School Health Advisory Council for Laredo, involved in the Laredo Food Coalition, and an active advocate for anti-hunger efforts through the local food bank. Robert is the Director of the Child Nutrition Program at Laredo Independent School District in Laredo, Texas. “The weather is changing a little bit down here… getting a bunch of rain but we’re still keeping our kids healthy, especially with our salad bars!” Robert Cuellar’s voice is cheerful and enthusiastic as he begins to describe his school’s vibrant salad bar program, the importance of educating and engaging students with healthy eating, and how his own children motivate him to continue to improve school food every day.
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