Overview

• City officials announce the return of popular school lunch items including chicken dumplings and French toast sticks, following student and parent outcry.
• The menu changes, initially a result of budget cuts, affected nearly one million NYC public school students, leading to a decrease in meal participation.
• Restorations will only apply to schools with 'food court menus', part of a $50 million Cafeteria Enhancement Experience, leaving many students without their favorite meals.
• Critics argue the selective reinstatement of items creates disparity and instability in student meals, demanding a citywide rollout.
• Officials cite increased meal participation and budget adjustments as reasons for the menu changes, promising further restorations in the coming months.