Quinn Schach and Ellie Vance cut red peppers Wednesday while making Chicken Suqaar at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. The Somali dish will be available for all students and staff to try Thursday during a culturally relevant taste test during the school’s lunch period. “The idea is to incorporate more diverse menu options,” said Vance, who works for FoodCorps. Thursday will be the second taste test in the district this school year. A rice dish called Bariis Iskukaris was served to students at McMahon Elementary in February with such success that Bariis made it onto the rotating school menu. “The goal is to see what kids like and make the school menu,” said Vance. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Chicken Suqaar is a Somali dish that is made with red peppers, chicken, onions, cilantro, garlic and spices. Small samples of the dish will be served Thursday to students and staff at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Quinn Schach and Ellie Vance take a break from cutting red peppers to chat Wednesday with Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline while making Chicken Suqaar at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. The Somali dish will be available for all students and staff to try Thursday during a culturally relevant taste test during the school’s lunch period. “The idea is to incorporate more diverse menu options,” said Vance, who works for FoodCorps. Thursday will be the second taste test in the district this school year. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal