Learning Lounge: Tricks of the Tray: The Power of Relationships in Promoting School Meals

Public schools in America serve more than seven billion meals per year and can be considered one of the country's largest restaurant chains. But guess what? Every day, the school nutrition professionals who work in our cafeterias must battle the biggest barrier to school meal participation: image. Whether it is perception of poor food quality and taste; limited, short lunch periods leading to long lines; or the social stigma associated with free or reduced-price meals; there are strategies to combat these barriers. Learn the Tricks of the Tray and how simple photos, culinary training, testimonials, student involvement and building rapport with school nutrition professionals leads to an improved image of school meals and excitement for what is served on the tray.