Tailgate parties entice HISD students to enjoy lunch outside

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It’s fall in Houston, and with the season comes football and tailgate parties. HISD’s Nutrition Services department is hosting lunch-time tailgate parties every Thursday at several HISD high schools. Jones Futures Academy and Scarborough High School were the first two schools to win an all-out tailgate party where students can enjoy a meal and socialize outside the cafeteria.

“Football season is here,” said Nutrition Services Director of Operations Odell Warren, “so we wanted to bring the food outside and have the cheerleaders and the band get students pumped up during their lunch period.”

Operations managers Delia Garcia and Valerie Meinen hosted the first two winning high schools. Tailgate party winners are selected according to their school meal participation numbers.

“There will be a weekly tailgate party winner all the way through Nov. 10,” said Garcia. “All students need to do is eat lunch at their school cafeteria.”

Scarborough Assistant Principal Lee Mashburn said the tailgate party is great for school spirit. “Students are pumped,” he said. “They are already asking me when they will be able to do it again.”

Jones Senior Juanita Zamora was surprised by the event. “This is really nice for students,” said Zamora. “It’s really exciting with the band, the cheerleaders, and the food.”

Scarborough Junior Jonathan Vizuet said the tailgate party was a great opportunity to “meet and talk with other students.”

Students were served cheeseburgers, hot dogs, spicy chicken sandwiches, and chips. All items served by HISD Nutrition Services met the standards of the National School Lunch Program.