Washington Township Food Service Interns Complete Creative Projects During Time with District
 

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2025

Intern Leslie Canales Franco poses with Mr. Tom O’Brien’s kindergarten class at Whitman Elementary School during their “Plant a Pizza” project.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - Washington Township Schools Food Service Department hosted interns Leslie Canales Franco and Jennifer Natoli from Rowan University during the spring semester. Recently, the interns were able to complete different projects around the district.

Mr. Tom O’Brien’s kindergarten class at Whitman Elementary School hosted Canales Franco and Food Service Manager Jennifer Mullin for a presentation focused on the question, “Where do our favorite foods come from?” To begin, students discussed the ingredients commonly found in pizza, such as tomatoes and wheat. After listening to a short story about an Italian family and their legacy, Canales Franco worked with small groups to plant seeds/seedlings for their classroom pizza-themed garden: “Plant a Pizza.” Students benefited from sensory experiences with new and familiar plants. 

Furthermore, students engaged in conversations about food preferences by participating in a classroom art project where they each designed a pizza slice. They learned new skills such as using a hand shovel, potting plants, sowing seeds, and watering. Students will enjoy the beauty of sweet cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, and marigold in their classroom garden. The elementary food service staff even provided a healthy, cherry tomato snack. One student loved this treat so much that they had five samples!

“I hope the students feel more connected to their food and environment,” Canales Franco said.

Natoli completed her project at Orchard Valley Middle School with the idea of creating a recipe that the students would enjoy. After developing a broccoli casserole recipe in the kitchen – which was approved by Mrs. Mullin – Natoli brought samples to the students during their lunch periods to gauge their reactions.

“Our goal was for the students to enjoy eating the food that is served in the lunchroom but also meets the criteria for the National School Lunch Program along with being a healthy option for them to pick from,” Natoli said. “The kids loved this recipe and were very enthusiastic about trying it. I really enjoyed visiting the school and interacting with the kids to sample the casserole.”

Intern Jennifer Natoli shows off samples of the broccoli casserole recipe she created for the students at Orchard Valley Middle School.

Leslie Canales Franco and Food Service Manager Jennifer Mullin (right) work with the students on the pizza garden.

Jennifer Natoli works on her creation. 

- WTPS -