La Joya Independent School District

La Joya, TX - Student voices took center stage this week as La Joya ISD’s Child Nutrition Services (CNS) hosted its annual food expo - a hands-on food-tasting experience consisting of sampling stations, new recipe showcases, and interactive feedback opportunities. 

The event  empowers students to directly influence the future of school meals across the district. Their feedback helps CNS create menus that support healthy habits, student satisfaction, and overall wellbeing across campuses. 

Throughout the expo, students evaluated a variety of potential entrees, sides and healthy snack options then offered honest feedback about taste, quality and presentation. More than just an expo, the event allows student insight to play an important role in shaping the 2026-27 school menu, ensuring student preferences and wellness needs remain central to each selection. 

The annual food expo fulfills priority three within the district’s strategic plan: Thriving Students. By creating meaningful opportunities for student voice and choice, La Joya ISD is fostering environments where students feel valued, heard, and actively involved in decisions that impact their daily lives. 

In addition to student voice, the expo gives families and the community a deeper look into what makes school meals unique. While items like pizza or burgers may seem familiar, they meet a far higher nutritional standard in schools. All vendors providing food to school districts must follow the Texas Department of Agriculture’s guidelines - ensuring every breakfast and lunch is well-balanced and supports student health. 

The CNS Food Expo highlights La Joya ISD’s commitment to engaging students not only as learners, but as partners in shaping the future of their schools - one meal at a time.