The Kent County Food Policy Council advocates for and promotes a local, food food system. We are currently working on a Food System Plan for Kent County. In order to educate our community about their candidate options, we asked all Grand Rapids Public School (GRPS) School Board Candidates via email the following question: In a 2023 survey, 3000 GRPS students listed food as the number one issue they would like to see the district address. If elected, how do you plan to see school food improved and prioritized?
The responses below do not indicate endorsement: our intention is to inform our community about food policy. We thank Candidates for their time in responding. Election day is November 5; there are four open positions on the Grand Rapids Public School Board.
Amber Kilpatrick
The health and well being of our students is a top priority for me as a potential school board member. From safety and belonging, to nutritious, healthy foods - student well being is a multifaceted and essential component of a strong school district. If elected, I commit to taking several actions to ensure that school food is improved and prioritized.
- I will advocate for Policy Changes to mandate healthy, nutritious meals in our school menus.
- I will request that regular assessments and evaluations of our current food programs are taking place, including student and parent surveys about food quality and options.
- I commit to Communication & collaboration with parents, students, teachers, and community stakeholders. This collaborative effort can be used to gather further input and develop any needed improvement plans.
- I will advocate for budget allocations that prioritize nutrition programs, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, and partnership with local suppliers.
- I will support and seek out opportunities to create and maintain partnerships with local farms to provide fresh produce. I also see a tremendous opportunity to weave education , entrepreneurship, and innovation into these local, farm to school programs.
- I look forward to working with my board colleagues in these efforts (and more) to ensure our students’ needs are being met and our school food experience is improved.
Tonya Williams
To take a collaborative strategic look at the vendors and the quality of food given to our children (scholars). To invest in the children's nutritional needs, as it is a priority. Assuring that our children receive quality food, to help with nutrition and brain growth.
Eleanor Moreno
Due to professional affiliation with the Kent County Food Policy Council, Eleanor recused themselves from responding.
Ismalis Nuñez
It's so inspiring to see scholars standing up for something as important as school lunches. Their courage in speaking truth to power shows how deeply they care about their well-being, academic success and that food quality is their top concern, and it's something we need to prioritize as a board. If I'm elected, I want to continue to center scholar voices and experiences, work closely with nutrition services, and organizations like the Urban Core Collective to make sure our food services truly meet students' needs. I’ll push for healthier, more appealing meals that reflect the different cultures in our community. I'd also like to see more opportunities for scholars to give direct feedback on the food they eat—like taste-testing new menu items—so we can get it right.
I'd love to explore local sourcing, which could mean fresher food while supporting local farmers, as suggested by the Kent County Food System Assessment. No student should have to skip lunch because the food isn’t good or filling enough. My focus will be on making sure every student has access to meals that help them feel their best, both in and out of the classroom.
Jordoun Eatman
I want to thank our GRPS students for speaking up and making their voices heard. When 3,000 students say that food is the top issue they want to see addressed, I hear them, and I’m committed to honoring that voice—not just as data to collect, but as a real call to action. If re-elected, I will continue to work to ensure that our school meals truly serve our scholars—both in quality and in the sense of respect they deserve as active participants in shaping their education and well-being. Food is essential to our health, focus, and energy; it’s the fuel that powers their learning and growth. That’s why I’m dedicated to working with our nutrition teams, local suppliers, and, most importantly, the students. I want to make sure we’re offering meals that not only meet nutritional standards but also reflect the flavors, cultures, and foods our scholars enjoy and feel proud to eat. This isn’t just about feeding our students; it’s about listening to their needs, respecting their input, and taking meaningful steps to provide meals that uplift their day.
I am also currently working with the superintendent to evaluate existing feedback channels for students so that we can keep this dialogue open, allowing us to adjust and improve the food program as we go. Our scholars deserve a school board member who listens to what you’re saying and makes sure their needs and voices are reflected in every decision. Working together, we can build a meal program that not only nourishes your bodies but also honors their voice and values. Thank you for trusting me to make this vision a reality. With continued support, we’ll make school meals something scholars can truly look forward to each day.
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