bration Calendar , which is a gold- mine of ideas, featuring celebrations that span months, weeks, or single days, perfect for inspiring creative menus, decorating the cafeteria, and sharing fun highlights on social media. PONDER Every tray that comes across the line is a chance to make a first impres- sion—and you never get a second chance to do that. We want to have clean, inviting displays and thought- ful menu presentations that can com- pletely change how students view their meals. Remember, it’s all about the kids! When was the last time you asked students what they wanted to see on the menu? Feedback not only sparks new ideas but also gives stu- dents a sense of ownership in the cafeteria experience. Here are some creative ways to gather input: • SurveyMonkey – Create quick surveys with engaging questions that make the cafeteria feel like an extension of the classroom. • Google Forms – Simple and fam- iliar. Students know the phrase “just Google it,” so why not let them “just Google it” to share feedback on meals? • Kahoot! – Turn feedback into a game. If your school allows per- sonal devices, this interactive tool is fun, fast, and gives you instant results. • Local Partnerships – Programs like Feed Our Future support Har- vest of the Month and Totally Tasty events, giving students a
chance to vote on menu items right in the cafeteria. Interactive activities—like engaging with mascots such as Munch the Fox— make providing feedback both fun and memorable. LEARN “Make It Count” isn’t just a phrase— it’s a reminder that every meal you serve is an opportunity to make an impression. How can you use plating, color, and presentation to engage students and make meals more ex- citing? One practical tip: Interactive Food Stations - Make a goal to offer routine opportunities for students to customize their meals with bar con- cepts and interactive food stations. Start by picking a theme or cuisine and take steps to add those ideas to the rotation on your hot line or sim- ply start with a fruit and vegetable bar and add fun signage! INNOVATE Consider how you package your food. Food packaging does more than simply hold a product. It can be a stage that creates a story. Serving Asian inspired food in a simple Chi- nese-style take-out box can give the consumer an elevated experience. A sandwich may just be a sandwich when wrapped in traditional sand- wich paper, but swap that out for a checkered pattern sheet, and stu- dents start to feel like they are at a trendy eatery. If your serving line looks like rows of styrofoam contain- ers, it might be time to peruse that catalogue of packaging supplies.
MENU PRO TIP Menus are the first opportunity to catch students’ attention and build excitement for what’s coming to the cafeteria. Plan ahead to highlight and introduce new items, while creating memorable experiences through theme days or special events. We have been using the new SNA Cele-
Pisanick Partners Pisanick Partners is a nutrition and operations based consulting firm with decades of experience in Child Nutrition. We have refine our approach through creation of cycle menus, training and development of staff, and implementing strategies that take on the task of not only attaining nutritional excellence, but also financial success in the K-12 environment. Our experience not only supports a school district in meeting all state and federal mandates for implementing the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs,but also the menu creation with an eye for detail and meticulous organization. The objective is to quickly and accurately evaluate, analyze and organize a district’s nutritional program to insure compliance and easy on-going maintenance.
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