Last Bite the with Chef Sharon Schaefer
Inspiration is sometimes found in the most unlikely places but you don’t have to travel to the end of the rainbow for inspiration gold! March is the point where there are fewer weeks ahead of us than behind. The start of the new school year seems right within our reach. Our programs are being closely reviewed for what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next? It can be exciting and daunting. Inspiration comes from many places but here are my go to places to keep menus relevant. #1 Customers Our students can be one of our best resources. Student surveys, polls, sales reports…any way that you can look at what the students in your program are currently buying and what they want to see added to the menu leads to menu success. Tastings, preplanned samples, and similar events have proven to be a challenge this past school year but pictures and video content can be a great way to connect with a very visual audience. One way
barbecue and everyone is talking about it, capitalize on that popularity to bring in similar items. Unique items are also a great spring board. In Nebraska and other parts of the Midwest, local restaurants serve cinnamon rolls with a bowl of chili during winter months… and schools do too. The marketing is all over town, “It’s Chili & Cinnamon Roll Season.” The hard work is already done for you! Look at what your community is talking about, where they like to eat out, what’s being advertised and POW! You are sure to have a new idea or two ready for your breakfast or lunch menu. One of the biggest benefits of our industry is that we can share with other programs with no fear of competition. “ #3 Connections Manufacturers, distributors, and fellow school nutrition programs are all a source of rich content. Looking to your professional connections is an avenue which is so important and should not be overlooked. Product development considers food trends, which is another huge part of predicting the next best concept. One of the biggest benefits of our industry is that we can share with other programs with no fear of competition. A strong program with great food is great for our students. So, there is truly no reason to not share or borrow best recipes, best practices, and best new ideas.
Written by a Mom? Yes. Something for Everyone? Also Yes.
Well, with it being an ENTIRE YEAR since COVID-19 hit NH, I think it’s safe to say that the non-existent money trees in all of our yards have been sufficiently picked over! We, as Americans, spend a decent amount of our disposable income on food, and if you’re ME…basically just take all my money haha!
for. Definitely worth it and it’s really not all that time consuming so YAY! One word: COSTCO. Costco and I have an amazing relationship, I love it! This is where I stock up on nonperishable items like toilet paper (when available), bottled water, oils, paper products, not to mention the clothes and book sections are FIRE!! Brown Bag it. Plan out your lunches for the week and add it to your grocery list. Not only will this save some cash but it will more than likely be healthier. Save that money for days when you need a break and just phone in dinner, literally! Speaking of “brown bagging” it, schools in so many areas have been providing FREE meals to families while schools are closed. Every weekday staff go in and prepare complete boxed meals for all students. This includes both breakfast AND lunch. Families can pick it up at designated schools or, in some areas, a school bus will deliver. At the end of the week food is offered for anyone in need over the weekend.Want to know the best part, IT’S ALL FREE! Food insecurity is REAL. Please if you are in need or know a family who is, reach out to your school district to learn more about what they offer.
Here are some tips for saving money on food that I’ve found helpful:
Brew your own coffee. I know this may not be the most popular opinion, but the savings here absolutely add up! Just take a minute to do the math. Trust me I love a yummy fancy coffee drink just like the next boujee mama, but instead of keeping them in the daily rotation, treat yourself once a week. Something to look forward to! Grocery shop ONCE A WEEK. My day is usually Sunday. Planning for the week helps. Make a list and stick to it (unless of course you go shopping hungry, then there’s always extra snacks!). Coupons. Use them, they’re so easy to find. Most grocery stores have free apps you can sign up for and there you can find all the sales and so many coupons. Even better, they’re all on an app. So, there is nothing for you to have to clip and carry around. Also included in these apps are incentive programs that are free to sign up
to see what’s hot and what’s not is to offer a choice and have students vote. This very simple “choice of 4” concept can be used on social media and surveys. You can use text and school colors if food photos are not available.
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#2 Community Looking at restaurants and other businesses can really get the creative juices flowing. A school version of local favorites can often be created. If your town has amazing
Hoping this month, you MARCH swiftly toward inspirations and new ideas!
We are STILL all in this TOGETHER.
Resident Chef, NxtGen Network; Owner of Evolution of a Lunch Lady, LLC Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Gretna Public Schools Since childhood Sharon was on a quest to make healthy food taste great! That love of all things delicious led her to The Culinary Institute of America. After completing her externship at The Food Network, Sharon discovered a world of how to share great food through media. Owner of Evolution of the Lunch Lady, LLC, and Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Gretna Public Schools, Chef Sharon Schaefer, SNS frequently takes her culinary chops and K12 experience on the road as a highly sought after Key Note Speaker and school nutrition trainer.
Hi. I’m Stacy. I ammany things, including but not limited to, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a creator, an amazing lip-syncer, an empath, and an overall good time. I have an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and I enjoy painting, photography, drinking wine, eating french fries, and crafting. I have been married for 10 years (cocktail please!!) and together we have made two amazing humans (another cocktail please!!). Our son Anthony (7) and our daughter Sloan (4) have non-stop energy and in the rare instance they are not talking they are eating all the snacks. I am typically the “go-to” person for my friends who are seeking advice, a non-judgmental ear, perspective, a good venting session, or even just a hug (I am also a master hugger). I believe that human connection is of the utmost importance and that kindness is cool.
Sharon Schaefer, SNS
Stacy Cardinale
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