K-12 kitchens focused on semi-scratch and scratch cooking can gain several advantages, including greater control over ingredients and the ability to provide menu items with more fresh fruits and vegetables. But with these advantages comes the need to pay increased attention to food safety.
Variety and freshness. These are the foundation of the meal program at Hartford Union High School (HUHS), where the kitchen staff prioritizes offering students multiple choices for both breakfast and lunch. With 70% of the school’s 1,300 students participating in the program, that means staff pays close attention to what students like and experiment with school menu options.
Labor shortages continue to affect many K-12 school districts today, regardless of size. In some cases, they are the result of employees choosing not to return to work post-pandemic. Also, labor costs have increased across the food service industry, leaving many schools struggling to compete with local restaurants for employees; they have had to increase pay to keep employees on board or attract...
