K12
FRESH K12 CONTENT FROM
EDIBLE EDUCATION: FOOD TRENDS
SLICING UP INSPIRATION FOR YOUR MENU AND MORE!
L ooking for a little inspiration to help boost your menu? Welcome to our column featuring bites of nutrition knowledge and in- sight for your team’s menu cre- ation needs. As the landscape of school lunches continues to evolve, so do the trends shaping what ends up on stu- dents' trays. In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards healthier, more diverse options, reflecting grow- ing concerns about childhood nutrition and well-being. From plant-based al- ternatives to globally-inspired dishes, this article explores the latest trends making their way into school cafeterias. Enjoy some food for thought curated and ready to serve up some quick and easy strategies for success. READ Ensuring that school nutrition menus stay competitive involves juggling var- ious factors such as student preferenc- es, food costs, availability, labor skills, and equipment. The School Nutrition Association's 2024 School Nutrition Trends Report examines many of these trends. At Pisanick Partners we always have an eye on food trends so that students want to participate in our BY PISANICK PARTNERS
meal programs, enjoy the foods they are served, and get excited about new menu offerings. The end of the school year and during summer recess pres- ents an ideal time to examine trendy food options for students as we pre- pare for the next school year's menus. With that in mind, consider exploring what's currently popular and emerging as food trends around the world. Spend some time Googling food trends and you will find many great resources such as this 2024 Food & Beverage Trend Report that can provide great insights to support food options and contribute fresh perspectives. WATCH Adding "Trend-Watching" to your to- do list can be a flavorful reminder to keep up with the latest in food craz- es. Since social media heavily influ- ences what's cooking, why not step into the digital shoes of your students and explore some of these popular TikTok Food Trends? With this eye toward TikTok trends, we created a Baked Feta Pasta recipe that was easy to adapt the steps for prep to a school- friendly version. Keep an eye out for food trends that are specific to your geographic region. In our area of Northeast Ohio, famous
local hometown chef Michael Symon has used his Mabel’s BBQ restaurant to show creative ways to serve pulled pork. These concepts such as Loaded Pork Tots and BBQ Pork Topped Mac- n-Cheese Bowl have segwayed their way right into the school cafeteria. An- other fan favorite native to Ohio is the Buckeye - when it comes to food it’s a delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter together! We give hom- age to this state treat with a Buckeye Smoothie. More excitement is on our local food scene from Cleveland Kitch- en with locally made Kimchi that is school creditable. During our Mystery Chef Compe- tition this year we looked to the Pi- mento Cheese trend from the south to challenge participants to come up with recipes utilizing this newer- to-us ingredient. MENU PRO TIP Adding trendy foods to school menus highlights the significance of using
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School lunch items can easily compete with local favorites like Starbucks, Panera, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle by offering similarly appealing options."
PHOTO COURTESY OF PISANICK PARTNERS
FSD QUARTERLY
Q3 2024
36
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