There was one state in the east coast that made it MANDATORY for the kids to eat their cafeteria food and would not let them bring their own lunches. I can't remember the state.

Ok coming from A cooking background and living with same type of food on the east coast in md . I think what these programs should offer kids who are 17-18 the ablity to learn and cook in the commencere kitchen that the school provides this would have a mentor role as a chef who that is a chefs role to teach, train. This would be an additional vo tech kind of program this will also look good on a resume that way they can already have cooking background then after school they can continue to pursue the Field trade. This will advance them with ablity to learn different kitchen jobs, how to use equipment, how to use equipment proper ie knife cuts, cuts of meats. Almost a pre- curse to a culinary degree and credits for this can be applied for there culinary degree. This is coming from someone who never went to culinary school and would loved a program like this.