For many, summer is a time of relaxation. This includes relaxation in healthy eating habits with all the temptations of favorite summer treats that picnics, barbecues, and outings offer.
However, the return to school is the perfect time to reset your healthy habits and boost the nutrition of your regular meals. This is especially important in school cafeteria meals for children, as their minds, bodies, and habits are still developing. The easiest way to do this is to add more nutrient dense items to your menu, including seafood.
Why Serve Seafood in Schools?
Seafood has an abundance of health benefits for kids, as there are few foods quite as nutrient-dense per portion. Seafood offers nutrients like vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is also loaded with valuable minerals for a child’s development, like iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
Studies by pediatricians, dietitians, and more have touted the benefits of having seafood on the menu in places like school cafeterias. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently conducted a study called The Role of Seafood Consumption in Child Growth and Development. “Seafood is a nutrient-rich food choice. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends that all adults consume at least 8 ounces of seafood per week. The DGA also recommends that children consume two servings of seafood per week in amounts corresponding to their total caloric intake.”
Currently, seafood is most likely to be eaten at home. This is good as both children and their parents benefit from eating the recommended portions. However, families don’t always have time to eat together, or have the means to prepare the recommended portions of seafood. This is why adding seafood to the menu at school can make it easier for children to gain access to nutritious lunch options.
“The Role of Seafood Consumption in Child Growth and Development finds that seafood consumption patterns have not changed significantly since the National Academies last examined this issue in 2007 and that in the United States most children, adolescents, and women of childbearing age do not eat the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)-recommended weekly amount of seafood.”
Top Ways to Serve Seafood at School
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that preparing seafood for a cafeteria menu would be too difficult, or that the children won’t be interested, thus potentially wasting time and food. However, seafood is both easy to prepare and delicious, and there are lots of simple yet innovative ways to serve it that will appeal to kids. Even the pickiest eaters can be enticed into eating nutritious and delicious seafood dishes when you know how to serve them.
Sticks
Fish sticks are a kid classic and a crowd-pleaser, so they’re ideal to add to any school cafeteria menu.
- Dipping Sauces: Go bold! Reach beyond ketchup and tartar and try new dipping sauces like aioli, salsa, pico de gallo, sweet chili, or spicy mayo.
- Diced: Try diced sticks atop salads and soups. Think of them as an alternative to croutons or crackers.
Portions
Kids are often on the go, needing to eat lunch before their next class or sporting event. So offer options that are handheld and that they can eat on the go if necessary. It also saves time and mess when it comes to cleaning up utensils like forks and knives.
- Sandwich: Pair a fish portion with your favorite whole grain buns and toppings.
- Wraps: Make fish the protein star of your school’s favorite whole grain or lettuce wrap along with a flavorful sauce.
Wedges
Seafood should be the hero ingredient for a meal, and serving breaded wedges is the best way to go for this.
- Classic: Perfect with school cafeteria favorites, like roasted potatoes or mac and cheese.
- Tacos: Tuck a wedge inside a crunchy or soft taco shell with favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
Looking for more inspiration for your seafood menu? Check out our child nutrition brochure and products.
