Culinary Services
Imagine a school dining experience so extraordinary that visiting students ask if they’re eating in a restaurant, and adults remark they would expect to need a reservation for their meal. At Hamlin, our Culinary Services Program goes far beyond the incredible food — it is an educational experience that celebrates community, equity, culture, and creativity.
Every Bite, an Equalizer
Much like our uniforms, our approach to food creates an environment where all students can focus on learning and connecting with others, free from the visible markers of socioeconomic differences. Every student at Hamlin enjoys the same freshly prepared, gourmet-quality meals included in tuition. By eliminating the disparities often seen in packed or purchased lunches, these meals become more than sustenance—they’re a delicious reflection of our commitment to equity and inclusion and prioritizing connection.
Fresh, Seasonal, and Made with Care
Every day, our talented chefs prepare handcrafted lunches and snacks, thoughtfully prepared to delight and accommodate all tastes and dietary needs. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are always on the menu, ensuring that every child feels seen and cared for. Served in our sun-soaked dining room with sweeping views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, our daily offerings include:
- A creative hot food spread with globally inspired dishes
- A seasonally-driven organic salad bar
- A sandwich bar featuring fresh bread from Jane the Bakery, owned by one of our alumnae
- Two soul-warming, homemade soups
- A Friday sweet treat to celebrate the week
- A colorful selection of fresh, seasonal fruit
- An array of condiments to spark culinary creativity
A Community Effort
Lunch isn’t just served—it is lovingly shared. Parents, guardians, and grandparents volunteer in the dining room each day, where they experience first-hand our dining room’s vibrant culture. Serving and engaging with our students allows our volunteers to deepen connections with students, the Culinary Team, faculty, and staff. Plus, our volunteers enjoy the perk of enjoying the same delicious meals as our students! Our students deeply appreciate the talented Culinary Team members who thoughtfully prepare their meals each day and take the time to connect with the girls beyond just dietary preferences. Our girls also enjoy connecting with faculty and staff they may not otherwise see in their daily routines. Lunchtime at Hamlin broadens the girls’ network of caring adults, all of whom make a meaningful impact each school day. It is truly a cherished part of everyone’s day.
A Learning Opportunity
Our Culinary Director, Abagael Birrell, partners with faculty to bring food education into the classroom, teaching students to listen to their bodies, make sustainable choices, and understand their role in a greater environmental network. Whether it’s a lesson on food waste, or exploring alternative modes of food production, we empower students with the knowledge to make a difference.
Sustainably Sourced, Responsibly Prepared
From our partnerships with Greenleaf Produce and Veritable Vegetable—an organic, women-led company with zero-emission deliveries—to our commitment to reducing food waste, sustainability is woven into our culinary culture. We foster mindfulness around environmental responsibility and the importance of reducing waste.