School Lunches: What It Is and Five Interesting Menu Ideas
School lunches are meals served to students while attending classes These meals are provided free of charge or at a reduced price in public-schools, often subsidized through a variety of state and federal programs. The meals are typically served in the cafeteria and are nutritionally balanced in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A variety of options are typically available to meet the needs and preferences of students, such as vegetarian or vegan options, as well as gluten-free and allergen-free meals.
Although typical school lunches are considered to be nutritious and easy to access, some students may find them boring or unappealing. To help combat this problem, some schools are introducing more interesting and creative school lunch menus. Here are five great examples:
1. Taco Tuesday: This is a fun and spicy way to have lunch at school. A taco bar can be set up at the cafeteria, offering a variety of options such as seasoned ground beef, black beans, roasted peppers, and various toppings. This can be served with black bean soup and a side of Mexican-style rice.
2. Pizza Party: A popular option among students, pizza can be served with a variety of toppings, such as veggies and cheese. To make it more nutritious, schools can opt for whole-wheat crust and low-fat cheese. A side of a light green salad can accompany the meal.
3. Assemble-Your-Own Burrito Bowl: Everyone loves burritos, but in the interest of nutrition, students can opt for a burrito bowl instead. Set up a burrito-bar with brown rice, spicy black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, shredded lettuce and cheese, and a variety of toppings, such as salsa and sour cream. Then let the students assemble their own bowls!
4. Mediterranean Platter: This is a great way to introduce students to different types of foods from the Mediterranean region. Offer hummus, pita bread, tabouleh, olives, and feta cheese, as well as some grilled chicken strips or falafel. Serve it with an Israeli-style salad and a side of baba ganoush.
5. Salad Bar: The ultimate healthy school lunch option! Set up a salad bar with a variety of fresh greens and veggies, as well as some protein options such as boiled eggs and boiled chicken. Offer a variety of dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil, as well as some croutons, nuts, or cheese for toppings.
By providing interesting and creative school lunch menus, schools can ensure that students enjoy balanced and nutritious meals. These five examples can serve as inspiration for schools to come up with their own creative options.