On September 25, 2025, two middle school students inspired a change to the lunch menu within Bay Shore schools. Their presentation to the Bay Shore Board of Education and meetings with the Superintendent and Food Service Director have led to new halal lunch options being added to the district’s menu. 

Capstone Projects for seventh graders 

Annually, seventh grade students in Ms.Russello’s class complete a capstone project. For capstone projects, students identify civic issues in one’s community, conduct proper research, and then enact age-appropriate, informed action within their community. Seventh grade students Abdul and Danish’s capstone project’s goal was to add halal lunch options. 

For Abdul and Danish, they realized several students didn’t have the ability to eat the school lunch due to lack of clearly labeled halal options. Abdul and Danish sought to remedy this with district wide implementation of halal options. Both students felt that they were not properly represented by the food available, facing limited options consisting mostly of cold foods. Other larger scale capstone projects include a $2000 fundraiser for children’s toys for Cohen’s Children’s Hospital and advocacy for more cultural representation in student holidays.

Lunch offerings before the menu expansion 

Previously, students who practice Islam had limited lunch choices because the food eaten by Muslims must adhere to the standard known as being halal. Now, students who practice the religion are able to enjoy lunch provided by the Bay Shore District. 

Staff members have noticed a lack of student representation before the implementation of halal options. Food service director Jeanine Quicker shared her view on these new developments. 

“The goal was to feed as many students as possible. There was a missing portion of the student population by not providing Halal meals,” said Quicker. “The program took off in middle school, as middle school students brought the idea to administration. There is not as much participation within the High School but hopefully when word comes out people will participate. Without participation, the program is not viable, the people who want halal meals need to get out there.” 

Students also see the benefits of adding halal options to the school lunch menu. Junior Jasmine Rivera credits Bay Shore for their attempts to accommodate for all students.  

“It allows more students to be able to eat when the main food being served isn’t Halal,” said Rivera. “I remember when vegan options were given, I’m not sure if they have them anymore, but it was nice to see that the school was being so inclusive towards other people’s dietary needs and restrictions. I like how the school is taking actions to be more inclusive and trying their best to accommodate their students.”

Other students are now able to know if they are able to eat certain foods. Freshman Zohan Cheema admits that he has not had lunch at Bay Shore because of a lack of transparency in how food is made. 

“I believe that these inclusions are important since it shows that the school is inclusive,” said Cheema. “I have never had school lunch before since I would not know if there would be anything I would be allowed to eat.”

The district’s viewpoint is that students can make a real difference, as Abdul and Donnish proved by their actions. The official Bay Shore School District account wrote: “Students can make a difference!” The new halal lunch options are now indicated within the district’s menus.