You are all preparing well-balanced and nutritious meals, but how does that meal look on the plate or platter? Would you eat it? Paying attention to appeal and acceptability is as important as providing good nutrition. After all, what good are all those nutrients if they stay on the plates and don't make it into the bellies? This school year, make it your mission to showcase to your students, their parents and your broader community that one of the best tables in town is at school.
We know we are making great strides in raising the bar for school meals across Texas, but what do students and parents think? Despite all our work and progress, popular opinions about school meals have not advanced at the same pace. We have to turn that perception around. We want people to start talking about how good the school meals are, and that they are as attractive as they are tasty.
On your own and with your peers, think and talk about how to make the meals you serve more appealing. Consider presentation: How does it look? What about color - all the same shade? Is it too firm? Too soft? Every day when food is placed on the line ask yourself, "Would I serve this at home?" And more importantly, "Would my family be excited about eating this meal?"
Also consider what you can do to enhance the dining environment to make it more inviting. How does the space look? Is it attractive, bright and free of clutter? How does it feel to be there? Does the atmosphere feel energizing or does it make you feel depressed? When the environment is creatively arranged and decorated, your care and attention are evident. A positive perception of a school cafeteria will attract more students to experience school meals, thus exposing them to a variety of nutritious foods that will broaden their views and encourage them to make wise and healthy choices throughout their lives.
The innovations made on the front lines of food service will make all the difference in countless students' health not only in school, but also throughout their lives. When you find an approach that makes a difference, be sure to share it with each other, and also with us at TDA (squaremeals@texasagriculture.gov) so we can spread the word.
Below are few healthy meals currently being served in Texas. Reach out to these districts to partner for progress as we continue our goal of a healthier Texas.
Mercedes ISD -- Homemade Beef & Cheese Enchiladas
Beef and cheese enchiladas with a homemade chili sauce, tasty beans a la Charra (fresh pinto beans, fresh diced tomatoes, cilantro, onion), fluffy Mexican rice, crispy saltine crackers, tart green apples and ice-cold milk.
San Benito ISD -- California Cobb Ciabatta
A hot sandwich served with grilled chicken fajita, melted lo-fat mozzarella cheese and fresh bacon crumbles served on ciabatta bread. Sides include an artisan salad (romaine lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced pickle, sliced yellow banana pepper), southwest pasta salad (penne pasta, black beans, kernel corn, fresh diced tomato, tossed in low-fat Italian dressing), salsa ranch dressing (low-fat ranch dressing mixed with salsa for either dipping the sandwich or topping the salad), fresh fruit of the day and choice of milk.
North East ISD -- Chicken Pepperoni Pasta
Diced chicken, pepperoni slices, tomato sauce, whole-wheat penne pasta, low-fat mozzarella cheese, fresh steamed veggies (carrots, broccoli, onions), Asian salad (baby spinach, mandarin oranges, sunflower seeds, tossed in vinaigrette dressing), fresh strawberries, homemade French garlic bread, and ice-cold milk.
