In Food Focus, we often talk about how school cafeterias are spaces where food serves as a bridge between cultures, connecting students to their heritage while also introducing new traditions. Across the country, school nutrition professionals work hard to ensure their menus reflect the diverse backgrounds of their students. But why is this important for specific cultures? And how can schools go about incorporating these flavors in a way that is both authentic and educational? For this issue, we are focusing on Hispanic Cuisine.

We spoke with three school nutrition professionals on integrating Hispanic cuisine into K-12 meal programs:  Angela Gomez, RDN, SNS, a dietitian and menu consultant, Shannon Reina, Food Service Manager at Salt River Schools (Ariz.) and Sonia I. Ledezma, Student Nutrition Area Supervisor in Galena Park Independent School District (Texas). Their insights highlight the impact culturally relevant meals can have on students and the opportunities for education and inclusion that foods can provide...