Craven County Schools' School Nutrition Department hosted its 5th Annual Food Festival, “Rise and Shine,” at West Craven High School on Friday, December 6th. This year's theme is to highlight how eating nutritious meals during the school day can help students shine.

250 students from across the district participated in the food sampling. The students had the opportunity to test a selection of food items from 11 different vendors, plus a few made-from-scratch recipes from the district’s nutrition team.

The goal of the food festival is to allow students in the district to sample new products that are being considered for the menu for the upcoming school year. Items include Naan bread, chicken tikka masala, jalapeño egg bites, maple waffle sweet potato bites, Bolognese sauce, chicken and vegetable dumplings, and many more.

Thanks to all who participated and for voting on your favorites. These items will appear on the 2025-2026 school breakfast and lunch menu!