Riverdale High School in Fort Myers offers free food court meals to students

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Riverdale High School will start a new cafeteria program, giving students more choices without adding to the price tag.

The school lunch experience is about to look different at Riverdale High School with five different restaurant-inspired options and a cafe. WINK News was invited to the campus to take a look at what's on the menu.

A good school lunch isn't just about filling a tray for Jaye Dahlke, food and nutrition specialist. It's fuel for a long day.

"My youngest daughter is going to be coming here as an incoming freshman. She's also in the band, and she's a bowler. So, if she doesn't have that meal, a really nutritious meal to get her through the day, she's going to crash out," Dahlke said.

Behind the scenes, the kitchen has gotten an upgrade.

"We have new state-of-the-art equipment. We just had this renovated, so absolutely look at all these new ovens, which are fantastic," Dahlke said. "We have so much more room to actually build and prep for these kids."

The biggest change this school year is a pilot program for the county, where each station will be like a food court. Think pizza, pasta, burgers, salads and food inspired by places like Chipotle and Panda Express.

"We're gonna have onion rings, French fries. Whoa, the curly fries, of course, and our chicken wings. The kids love it," Dahlke said. "Each place will they'll be able to come and get each food every day different. It'll be great."

Here's the big part for families: both breakfast and lunch are free.

"Their first meal is free, no problems," Dahlke said. "Moms, we don't even have to worry about breakfast anymore. Let them go to school, get their free breakfast. Lunch is free."

The pilot program starts in January once students are back from break. More choices for students, more room for the kitchen staff and a little more fun in the cafeteria are coming to Riverdale High School.