Boosting Engagement with Student-Centered Meal Choices
January 2025
The newest food influencers aren’t celebrities––they’re kids. In their households, members of Gen Alpha (ages 8-18) are getting involved in meal prep and helping to make food decisions for their families. Find out how to harness students’ taste for adventure in the kitchen to drive their participation in school meals.
Curious Kids with Bold Palates
It’s not just adults making the decisions in the kitchen anymore. Surveys show that 56% of Gen Alpha enjoy cooking for their family and even more (58%) like cooking for themselves. Children are curious by nature, and cooking not only teaches them valuable life skills but also provides a creative outlet for self-expression. This natural curiosity can guide schools in developing menu items that include customization options, which will appeal to this generation’s adventurous tastes.
Involving Students in Menu Planning
Operators can gain a better sense of students’ preferences by asking them directly. Distribute surveys with specific, actionable questions like, “What topping options would you want to see more often for sandwiches and salads?” or “What side dishes would you add or swap out?” Letting young diners voice their opinions gives them a greater sense of involvement with school meals and helps operators pinpoint the little changes that could have a big impact on their participation.
Encouraging Customization
Kids love making dishes their own, and giving them a variety of options lets them take control of their dining experience. Try setting up salad bars or build-your-own sandwich stations with a choice of proteins, vegetables and condiments. Additionally, rotating menu features can further engage students and stir up excitement. Introduce “special toppings” days or limited-time sides based on the season or student preferences. These strategies have the added benefit of reducing plate waste, since students are only selecting what they want to eat.
Incorporating a Versatile Protein
Turkey checks all the boxes when it comes to nutrition, versatility and flavor. It pairs perfectly with fresh veggies and bold flavors, like in this Asian Street Turkey Unwrap, with tangy orange-ginger dressing and topping options. Or let students create their own Mediterranean Turkey Salad Bowl with Lemon-Herb Dressing, including veggies and rice. Condiments are another area where customization can come into play. This Turkey Cool Wrap includes turkey medallions, crunchy romaine and a sauce made with mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce and honey. Serve with a side of waffle fries that students can dip in their choice of condiments.
By offering students more ways to personalize their meals, you can increase participation and their enjoyment of nutritious food. What kind of customization opportunities would you offer? Share your ideas on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
Source:
https://foodinstitute.com/focus/cooking-up-a-storm-gen-alpha-kids-have-become-tiny-tastemakers/
