Photograph courtesy of Broward County Public Schools
Each year, Broward County Public Schools in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., hosts a taste-testing event for elementary and middle school students, who rate new dishes on a tablet, providing instant feedback. Dishes that prove popular with students are considered for the next year’s menu. Here’s a peek at some items that won over students and will be available in the cafeteria this fall.
Photograph courtesy of Broward County Public Schools
Vegan chik’n nugget salad
A kid-friendly classic gets transformed in this new dish, which Zoe Crego, food and nutrition assistant program manager for the district, hopes will add some more excitement to the district’s plant-based offerings.
“We do get quite a few requests for vegetarian and vegan options that go beyond just beans and rice,” she says. “So we've been continually looking for options to provide more variety.”
Photograph courtesy of Broward County Public Schools
Allergen-friendly cookies
Given the school district’s nut-free environment, the nutrition team will debut an allergen-friendly cookie using a nut-butter substitute. The nut-free butter is made with yellow peas, so it offers students a nice source of protein, Crego says.
Photograph courtesy of Broward County Public Schools
Southwest chicken or mac and cheese in a cornbread bowl
Students will be able to choose from two menu options served in an edible cornbread bowl: mac and cheese or Southwest chicken made with corn, beans and cheese.
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