A letter from our editors
Why is it so difficult to add a new menu item to the elementary school menu? Our tiniest customers are slow to make choices, suspect of color, and refuse to have any food component touching another. Are they just picky eaters or are they products of their environment? Is this an extension of the ever horrid children’s menu which hides on the back of restaurant menus? No, children’s tastes are a direct reflection of their household food culture. That which they eat at home they will eat outside of the home. We, as school nutrition professionals, need to know what is on their dinner table at night. What foods are packed as snacks? What restaurants do your midday customers frequent outside of the school day? If a student is familiar with an item, flavor profile or concept, he or she is much more likely to risk their lunch choice on that entree or side. This logic further supports the investment of time in the taste test, giving students the opportunity to try a new food item without the risk. Food is an adventure that needs no translation and connects people across oceans. What we eat at family meals is an extension of love and comfort. Bring that sentiment into your cafeteria. We smile at our students, let’s honor them with dishes connected to their heart and homes. Want more inspiration check out this article by Anna Doogan on Tiny Bean. What 20 global school lunch recipes should our students try at least once?
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