Keeping up with menu trends and kids’ food preferences can feel like a full-time job—especially on top of everything else you do to keep your program running. But part of keeping kids nourished is serving meals they’ll want to come back for day after day. Listening to what students want, or what they’re already eating at home, can help you stay ahead of the game.
In this SN Plus, Bettina Applewhite, registered-dietitian and school nutrition specialist, shares how she approaches menu development through the lens of the students. Whether it’s large-scale taste tests, casual chats in the lunch line, or exploring your area’s local food culture, incorporating the flavors your students already love outside of the school cafeteria will make your menu much more appealing—and keep them coming back for more.
School Nutrition thanks CJ Schwan’s for its generous support in making this article available.
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