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If your school meals could use a makeover, fear not! There are plenty of simple and effective ways to enhance their presentation. Color Color catches our attention and provides contrast on the plate. If your recipe doesn’t have great color in any of its ingredients, consider topping it with a colorful garnish. Use a garnish that pairs well with the flavors of the dish you are serving, such as a sprinkle of cilantro over tacos or parsley on roasted chicken, adding interest to everyday meals. Texture & Shape Changing the shape or texture of food is another way to create interest on a plate. Get creative with fresh produce by cutting it into fun shapes or smaller sizes. Research has shown students prefer eating fruit when it’s served in smaller, bite-sized pieces. And don’t forget to remove any stickers from fresh fruit before serving. Service and Staff Even if you have beautiful colors and interesting textures, it won't matter if you neglect how food is plated during service. Beautiful colors and interesting textures shine even brighter when food is thoughtfully plated during service – presentation is key to bringing your meals to life! “No one wants their food plopped on a tray in front of them, so serve it gently,” says Chef Evelyn Parra of Crosby Independent School District in Crosby, TX. Chef Parra also recommends keeping serving lines clean, changing
steam table pans frequently and ensuring staff wear a clean uniform with a friendly smile. Branding and Marketing Another way to elevate your school meals is by branding. “Branding makes a huge difference. It turns the cafeteria into a space that feels welcoming, consistent, and even fun.” says Kashish Patel, Marketing Manager for Boston Public School District in Boston, MA. Similarly, when you post photos of your school meals online, keep your messaging consistent with your brand. Smartphone cameras can take great photos but take advantage of editing features to improve your photos before posting. Remember, your online audience is much broader than the cafeteria, so don’t post anything that could potentially tarnish your meal program’s reputation and avoid responding negatively to comments. Making your school meals "camera ready” takes creativity, time and attention to detail. If you need some inspiration and aren’t sure where to start, check out how school districts nationwide are innovating on the Action for Healthy Kids Cafeteria Chronicles blog .
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Allison Stock | Action for Healthy Kids Allison Stock is a Registered Dietitian and nutrition communications professional who has spent over 15 years in the foodservice and nonprofit sectors. She currently works as a Marketing Communications Specialist at Action for Healthy Kids, where her main responsibility is crafting stories for the Cafeteria Chronicles blog, which highlights the extraordinary work school districts have done to earn an HMI Recognition Award. When Allison is not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors in west Michigan, where she lives with her husband and 2 children.
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