WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR PLANT-FORWARD APPROACH SUCCESS! The Institute of Child Nutrition supports you through free research-based education and available training resources to help child nutrition professionals implement a plant-forward approach successfully. Consider participating in training, attending monthly webinars, listening to podcasts, watching culinary videos, locating a new plant-based standardized recipe, or subscribing to our newsletters. School nutrition programs nourish both bodies and the planet by embracing plant-forward meals. Let’s empower the next generation with nutritious, sustainable choices, one delicious bite at a time! ADDITIONAL TOOLS FOR SUCCESS: CULINARY INSTITUTE OF CHILD NUTRITION A division of ICN, its principal mission is to increase the culinary skills of school nutrition programs by providing culinary training programs and resources to support child nutrition operators in preparing and serving healthy, culinary-inspired school meals from scratch and elevating the cafeteria atmosphere.
sauces and spreads. Investing in these tools can stream- line meal preparation and ensure consistent quality. Marketing and student engagement are also vital com - ponents. School nutrition programs can use taste tests, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education to in - troduce students to new plant-based foods. Creating excitement around plant-forward meals can increase acceptance and participation. Highlighting the environ- mental benefits and health advantages can encourage students to make more plant-based selections. Focusing on plant-forward recipes in school nutrition programs offers many benefits, from enhancing stu - dent health to promoting environmental sustainability. Schools can successfully integrate more plant-based food items into their menus by equipping school nutri- tion staff with the necessary training and tools, devel - oping appealing recipes, and engaging students. This shift not only supports the well-being of students but also fosters a more sustainable and health-conscious future. CONSIDER THESE STUDENT- APPROVED PLANT-BASED RECIPES PURPLE POWER BEAN WRAP:
THE LUNCH BOX/ PLANT FORWARD
Rolled up in a whole-wheat tortilla are avocado, white beans, lettuce, and shredded purple cabbage that packs a powerful purple punch in this delicious vegetarian wrap. FIESTA MEXICAN LASAGNA:
The Lunch Box Toolkit: The Chef Ann Foundation’s More Plant Please! Initiative equips schools with resources to implement plant-forward meals. Their toolkit includes student-tested and approved recipes that align with USDA meal requirements, marketing and educational materials, and estimated recipe costs. PLANT-FORWARD SCHOOL MEAL RESOURCES The Center for Ecoliteracy provides plant- forward school meal resources: recipes, culinary techniques, and student engagement materials to successfully craft plant-forward school meals.
This main dish has hearty, healthy ingredients. The colorful vegetables are layered with crunchy corn chips, smooth black beans, flavorful cumin, fragrant oregano, and lively salsa. BLACK BEAN PATTY WITH CREMA SAUCE: Black beans, corn, onions, peppers, breadcrumbs, and spices, including cumin, red pepper flakes, and cilantro, are combined to form a black bean patty. Once baked, this patty is topped with a Crema sauce to add even more flavor!
Interested in more plant-forward USDA standardized recipes? Visit ICN’s Child Nutrition Recipe Box.
ICN Website
Heather Burkhead-Goins | Education and Training Specialist, Institute of Child Nutrition Heather has over 25 years of experience in early childhood, special education, nutrition, preschool administration, and undergraduate adult learning. She currently serves as an Education and Training Specialist for the Institute of Child Nutrition, focusing on resources for federal child nutrition programs. Her vast experience includes serving as a child nutrition consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education (KY DOE); director of Head Start, afterschool, and family child care; and as a state-licensed rater for Environmental Rating Scales (ERS), assisting in the formation of the KY ALL STARS.
Powered by FlippingBook