LEWISTON — In addition to promoting new, healthy food choices, a second goal of the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center’s youth group is to promote a healthy culture at the Lewiston High School cafeteria, said youth program director Sarah Ullman.

Most of the time in the cafeteria, “black kids sit on one side, white kids sit on the other side,” said student Nasra Ahmed, a member of the St. Mary Nutrition Center’s Youth Crew Campaign.

Fellow student Maryan Shidad agreed.

Sometimes, she said, “kids sit alone. We want to encourage more mingling in the cafeteria, to sit next to people you’re not used to.”

But for many, sitting down next to someone you don’t know to share a meal is outside of their comfort zones, students said.

So a goal in 2018, Ullman said, will be for the youth group to sponsor “Mix-It-Up Days” in the cafeteria. On those days, everyone will be encouraged to sit next to people they do not know and get to know someone new.

And no student would eat alone.

Shidad said she used to be shy about mingling and talking with people she does not know, but no more. Her experience in holding taste tests in the cafeteria forced her to talk to a lot of different students and meet new people.

“Come to find out people are friendly,” she said.

The “Mix-It-Up” dates are not yet set. The project is under development, Ullman said, but the idea already has the blessing of administrators.

“I think that’s a great idea,” said Lewiston High Principal Jake Langlais.

“I concur,” said Superintendent Bill Webster. “Students who have experiences with those who are different from themselves are much more apt to be successful navigating life after high school.”

Lewiston High School Food Service Manager Fern Langlois said he’s delighted that students are involved in coming up with new food ideas and ways to improve the cafeteria’s environment. Students in the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center’s Youth Crew Campaign are planning “Mix-It-Up Days” in 2018 to encourage students to sit with others they don’t know. (Bonnie Washuk/Sun Journal)