Now that Ramadan has come to a close, Worcester Public Schools is reflecting on how it supported students during the holy month—and how the first-ever district-wide Ramadan meal initiative went.
Back in February, Robert Shaheen, Director of Nutrition for Worcester Public Schools, announced that, for the first time, the school district would be handing out meals specifically for fasting students to pick up and take home. In recognition of the student Muslim population and the importance of the holy month, the program aimed to support students’ fasting experiences while keeping them nourished and included.
Students interested in participating were asked to fill out a Google Form to help the Nutrition Department prepare enough meals each day. Meals were then made readily available throughout the day and into the evening, specifically accommodating those students who were unable to eat during school hours.
Looking back, Shaheen explains the program’s success—especially considering it was the first time it had ever been done. “We averaged about 12–15 meals per day that students picked up and brought home,” he said. “We had never offered this program before and did not have any previous participation to go on. We were very pleased to provide meals to students that needed them.”
He also emphasized how smoothly the program came together, as there were no major challenges in its initiation. “We didn’t have any challenges with implementing the program,” Shaheen said, commending the staff for their dedicated work. “We have great staff that pulled together to provide meals to students over the four weeks it was offered.”
Feedback from families and students was positive. “Everyone who participated was very appreciative that we offered this program during Ramadan,” he said.
With a successful trial run, conversations are already happening about how Worcester Public Schools can grow and improve the initiative for future years—especially in a district as culturally diverse as Worcester. “We’re working on securing contracts to provide more food options and healthier, higher-quality meals,” Shaheen said. “Worcester is a very diverse city, with many cultures and food interests. We want to collaborate with students and the community to create menus that reflect that.”
Shaheen also shared plans for long-term investments in staff training and kitchen equipment to support future projects. “We’re planning for more speed-scratch meals, which require different preparation techniques. The goal is to create something sustainable that really works for our students.”
Around the district, the impact was felt. Here at South, one student shared how meaningful—and demanding—Ramadan can be. “Being able to participate in Ramadan during school is a blessing. But balancing school, work, and extracurriculars has been harder this year, probably because of the classes I’m taking and more hours at work,” said Eli Black, a senior at South High.
Black mentioned how fasting, in addition to nightly worship and Quran recitation, can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Still, he described the holy month as something deeply beautiful.
“Ramadan feels like warm honey-scented air. It feels like peace, it feels like the perfect escape and the perfect time to emphasize the connection between myself and my creator,” he said, adding that his favorite part of the month were the “early mornings at the mosque with my community.”
When asked what schools could do to better support fasting students, Black offered a simple suggestion: “Less homework. In Muslim countries, they shorten the school day and reduce workload. That’s probably not going to happen here, but even just lightening the homework load would help. You just have less time during Ramadan.”
Now, looking ahead, it’s clear there’s work to be done to continue building on this year’s progress and support the diverse experiences of students across the district—and WPS seems ready for that challenge. “Our mission is to empower students to make healthier choices by working together, supporting one another, and building a nutrition program with the community that values well-being and success,” Shaheen said.
As the system’s Nutrition Services mantra puts it, “Making Healthy Choices, Better Together,” the district shows its commitment to walking alongside students and helping them reach their fullest potential—both in and out of the classroom.
