HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR HIGH SCHOOL
Through its partnership with Quest, Homewood-Flossmoor High School has made fresh, wellness-focused dining a central part of the student experience. The program was designed around a simple goal: make healthier food choices accessible and appealing.
By pairing fresh ingredients with creative menu options and continued student engagement, Quest and Homewood-Flossmoor have built a dining program that is driving participation and supporting the well-being of the school community.
A Dining Program Focused on Fresh Choices
The program introduced a range of fresh and thoughtfully prepared options throughout the cafeteria. Grilled chicken replaced breaded items at select stations, while expanded grab-and-go offerings added fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps, parfaits, and more.
Breakfast has also become a focus, with house-made egg bites, fresh mango parfaits, and egg sandwiches made with cage-free eggs. The daily menu has added variety with a fresh salad bar, chocolate chickpea hummus snack packs, and Mexican street fruit cups featuring jicama, watermelon, cucumber, mango, and pineapple.
Plant-forward options are also incorporated throughout the program with tofu at the deli, plant-based proteins at the Picante station, and lettuce wraps as an alternative to traditional sandwich buns.
Participation on the Rise
Since the wellness-focused initiative was implemented, overall meal participation has increased 13% compared with the previous year. Participation among students receiving free and reduced-price meals has also increased 25%, showing the program’s growing reach across the school community.
Driven by Student Engagement
Student and staff feedback continues to inform the dining program through ongoing student food committee meetings focused on food quality and service. The student government also recently hosted a special recognition event celebrating the foodservice team. These interactions help strengthen the connection between the dining team and the students it serves.
Expanding Hospitality Through Catering
Quest’s partnership with Homewood-Flossmoor extends beyond daily dining with catering sales tripling over the last three years. The growth reflects the school’s broader use of Quest as a hospitality partner, providing food service for events like staff institute days and student celebrations throughout the year.
Results
Partnership
Homewood-Flossmoor’s partnership with Quest continues to evolve around a shared commitment to fresh food and student engagement. Together, they’re creating a dining program that gives students more choices while making the cafeteria a place they want to be.