How Vegas Vista Academy Prioritizes Student Wellness with Free Meals and Equity-Focused Education

A Bold Vision in the Heart of Las Vegas 

On this episode of Cafeteria Confessions, we headed to Las Vegas to visit a brand-new school that’s proving you don’t need years of experience or even a full kitchen to launch a meaningful meal program. Vegas Vista Academy opened its doors in 2024 with a mission rooted in equity, wellness, and community connection. And six months in, they’ve already built something incredibly special. 

Free Meals for All: No Questions Asked 

We sat down with Executive Director Dr. Feinstein and founding office manager and food service coordinator Gretel Valdes to learn how they’ve prioritized free meals for all students and staff, launched a hydroponic garden, and built a school community that feels more like a family. 

Dr. Feinstein didn’t hesitate when asked how they made room in the budget for universal free meals. “We didn’t even really consider budget,” he said. “It was just, feed everybody. Period.” In a neighborhood with limited access to grocery stores and fresh food, ensuring that every student receives breakfast, lunch, and a snack every day at no cost is central to their mission. 

Centering Equity in Every Detail 

At Vegas Vista, meals are just one part of a larger wellness model designed to break down systemic barriers. Equity is embedded throughout the school’s design, from offering dual-language instruction to implementing a standardized uniform policy and prioritizing community service learning. With over 100 community partners and a student body representing dozens of cultures and languages, the school creates an intentionally inclusive space for all students. 

Serving Meals Without a Kitchen 

Running a school meal program without an on-site kitchen hasn’t been easy. Meals are brought in from an outside vendor, which limits customization and makes it more difficult to reflect the diverse food preferences of students. But Gretel and the team have kept student well-being at the center of every decision. Fresh fruits and vegetables are served daily, and students are surveyed each semester about their likes and dislikes. Strawberry milk is a top request, and pizza Fridays are a clear favorite. 

When Kids Grow It, They Eat It 

One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was learning how the school integrates hands-on gardening into its approach to food. Students grow lettuce, kale, and radishes through a hydroponic system and in an outdoor community garden. Recently, they harvested their own lettuce and served it during lunch. It was a moment of pride and connection for many kids who had never tried those vegetables before. 

Looking Ahead: Bigger Space, Bigger Goals 

As the school prepares to move into its permanent building next year, the team is dreaming even bigger. Plans are already in motion to expand the gardening program, introduce more culturally relevant meals, and host family food days that celebrate the rich diversity within the school community. 

A School Built on Heart, Not Just Strategy 

Opening a new school is never easy, but Vegas Vista is doing it with vision, purpose, and unwavering commitment to student wellness. Their story is a testament to what’s possible when food is treated as foundational, not optional. At Vegas Vista, kids aren’t just being fed. They’re being seen, heard, and valued. 

Want to hear more? Listen to Vegas Vista Academy’s episode on your favorite platform here.