Cooking Up Change: David Reed's Recipe for Student Success in DC Schools

By Minetre Martin

In our nation's capital, an estimate of about 30,000 students are in Out of School Time (OST)  programs and many of them face a stark reality each day: limited access to a nutritious dinner. But David Reed, a visionary educator, is rewriting this narrative with a recipe for change that is deeply personal and has been transformative for many students in Title 1 schools east of the river. 

Reed’s journey from a hungry student to a champion of nutritional equity is a testament to how meaningful his program is for students who are at-risk. Born in DC and raised in Miami, he navigated the challenges of being a high school athlete while his single mother worked three jobs to keep food on the table. Often, that food was more about survival than nutrition, leaving Reed grappling with its impact on his academic and athletic performance like many students in OST programs .

Reed experienced firsthand how poor nutrition affected his mood and eventually his behavior leading to a run in with the Miami juvenile system at 14 that almost derailed his future. Instead, it became the catalyst for change. A summer diversion program at Howard University opened his eyes to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Working alongside professors and deans in the university chapel, Reed discovered his calling in youth development.

This experience set the stage for his college years, where he truly understood the link between nutrition and success. With access to a comprehensive meal plan, he experienced a dramatic uplift in his academic and athletic performance. This contrast fueled a passion that helped to refine his purpose: ensuring that no student's potential is limited by lack of nutritious food.

Today, with over six years of experience serving students in Title 1 schools in DC and a deep understanding of nutrition's role in student success, Reed is spearheading the Ward 7 Community Health program. This initiative combines hands-on cooking classes, health and wellness education, and advocacy for after-school meal programs. 

Reed's approach goes beyond just improving menu options. He's involving students in the cooking process, teaching them about nutrition, and equipping them with valuable life skills. 

However, there is still an issue at hand for children who are not age appropriate in preparing their own meal. Which is why Reed also advocates for funding for OST programs to provide meals to youth. 

"We're not just feeding bodies; we're nourishing futures," Reed explains. "We must provide students with nutritious meals and the knowledge to make healthy choices.”

The impact of his work is already evident. Students are bringing ingredients for smoothies, eager to learn and participate in their own nutritional journey. But for Reed, this is just the beginning. His goal is to see every OST program in DC offering nutritious meals for students like the meal pictured above.

Nutritious Lunch meal prepared by students: Sauteed green beans with onions, smothered chicken breast with wild rice. David Cooking class," photo provided by David Reed, January 2024

David Reed pictured with a student preparing a smoothie, June 2024

Reed's journey from struggling student to transformative educator underscores a powerful truth: when we nourish our students, we cultivate a brighter future for all. That is why his first call to action is to urge our State Board representatives to update the health standards to include cooking skills for appropriate grade levels.

You can make a difference too. Contact your SBOE representative today and urge them to hold a panel discussion about this initiative to help ensure every DC student has access to nutritious meals and the knowledge to make healthy choices. Together, we can nourish the future of our city.