Menu Refresh Keeps Participation Levels High

Keeping participation high in our client partners' food service programs is largely dependent upon serving delicious meals. That's why we are continually evaluating our menus and watching trends in meal counts to identify when and where menu changes are needed. Sometimes, we simply refresh our menus to reduce boredom and inspire joyful eaters.

We introduced several new lunch entrees in December and continue our refresh into January, February and March. New lunch entrees, which take the place of less-popular meals, include:

• Chicken 'n Gravy (Child Care Menus)
• Penne with Meat Sauce (Child Care Menus)
• Marinara Meatballs (Child Care Menus) served with mashed potatoes, whole-grain dinner roll and fruit.
• Au Gratin Chicken & Potato Bake (Child Care Menus): Chicken and potatoes baked in an au gratin-style casserole.
• Hot Italian Sub: All-beef meatballs covered in marinara sauce, topped with shredded cheese and served inside a whole-grain bun.
• Sticky Drumstick (definitely NOT on child care menus)
• Cheese-stuffed Hot Pocket: A giant hot pocket stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese, served with warm, seasoned marinara sauce.
• Hearty Chicken Tinga Wrap: Lightly grilled chicken strips cooked in a smokey tomato sauce, served hot inside a warm whole grain tortilla. Coleslaw is served on the side but some crazy "kids" might add it to their wraps for a juicy handful!
• Bean & Cheese Pupusas: Thick masa tortillas filled with bean and cheese, tracing roots to Salvadoran pupusas.
• Tots & Beef Wrap: Seasoned beef crumble with smashed tater tots served over on a tortilla wrap or over chips.
• Chicken Tamale with Green Sauce (coming in March)

These entrees are offered on select lunch menus and will vary by ages and program.

New Breakfast Offerings Coming Soon

We're pleased to introduce several new items to select breakfast menus. For sites that serve hot breakfast, look for our two new croissant sandwiches! We're also adding yummy chocolate and apple cinnamon breakfast spreads, both served with granola, to our cold breakfast menus. These are in addition to our new confetti snack bread recently introduced. Will these be new "fan" favorites?

Please let your Client Services Manager know how these meals are received at your sites! We welcome your feedback!