Recently, Linda Hartkopf, the RSU 20 5-2-1-0 School Health Coordinator, whose position is funded by Waldo County General Hospital, challenged the Belfast Co-op to come up with a recipe using beans as an alternative protein that was economical, could be easily made by the RSU 20 food service, met the My Plate standards (a majority of fruits, vegetables, protein and grain on the plate with a side of dairy) and would be enjoyed by students. Then she visited the Captain Albert Stevens School and East Belfast School in Belfast, and the Drinkwater School in Northport and had the students taste test the dish. The Co-op developed a Mexican Lasagna made with beans, a corn tortilla, veggies and a light cheese on top.

After hearing about My Plate and what they should be eating for a balanced diet, the students gave the dish a try. After tasting it, first grader Sam Kirkpatrick of Belfast gave the dish a thumbs up. He was joined in voting to ask that the dish be put on the school lunch menu by 90 percent of the students who tried it.