Soup’s on! North Hills cooking up healthier options with homemade soup

Chef Kory West makes homemade Italian wedding soup in the North Hills High School cafeteria on April 2, 2025.

Since October, North Hills High School has been offering homemade soups every Wednesday, a new initiative that has quickly become a favorite among students and staff. This delicious change is thanks to Chef Kory West, the school’s , who works closely with Food Service Director Lindsay Radzvin to create healthier, cost-effective and appealing meal options.

Chef West, a longtime chef with experience in both executive roles and education-based food service, prepares the soups fresh each week in the school kitchen. His rotating menu features a variety of soups, including Italian wedding, chicken tortilla, chili and broccoli cheese, all made with local ingredients. These soups are sold as an à la carte item for $2.25 per 12-ounce serving, and they’re so popular that they often sell out by the end of lunch.

The introduction of these fresh, nutritious soups aligns with the district’s mission to improve school meals while also offering something comforting and flavorful. The soups have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with staff members even arriving early to grab a bowl before lunch begins. Chef West and Radzvin are excited about expanding their efforts, with plans to offer even more creative menu options, including gourmet sandwiches and salads.

As a district parent, Chef West enjoys sharing his passion for cooking with the North Hills community. His homemade soups have even earned a feature in The Arrowhead, the student newspaper. The success of the soup program marks just the beginning of an ongoing effort to transform the school’s food offerings and enhance student dining experiences.