Oxford School District cafeterias will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a special lunch inspired by him.

School officials have collaborated to design a nutritious meal comprised of King’s favorite dishes for the first time in OSD schools.

Child Nutrition Director Tim Howington said, “We tried to come up with a traditional Southern-style lunch.”

Lunch options will include breaded catfish with a homemade dipping sauce, oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, green beans and turnip greens. Other menu items are fruit, a tossed salad with select toppings with a frozen fruit cup dessert and a choice of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

On top of commemorating King on Jan. 19, school officials sought out Southern recipes with a healthy twist. While many of the menu items are Southern classics, the recipes follow the USDA guidelines for nutrition.

All food served follow recipes that limit daily calorie intake, eliminate all frying methods and reduce sodium along with promoting fruits and vegetables.

Howington said King’s legacy of civil obedience, nonviolent protest and courageous stand in the face of oppression and death is a hallmark to the best of what human nature has to offer.

“Our school lunch throughout our school cafeterias on Jan. 19 is a small, but heartfelt tribute to a truly great American who has done so much for so many, ultimately paying the ultimate sacrifice with his life for the principles he so steadfastly believed in — Christian values, racial equality and human dignity,” Howington said.

Bramlett Elementary School Principal Suzanne Ryals said having students participate in “MLK Day of Service” activities gives the school a great opportunity to continue efforts to instill good citizenship and character traits into students.

“Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life with purpose following a dream,” Ryals said. “It is important that we support and encourage our students to follow their dreams, live their lives with purpose and serve others in that pursuit.”