The directions given to the teenage taste-testers were straightforward: They were to be honest, avoid cheating off each other, and provide specific feedback. As Noah Atlas, the director of the child nutrition program for Anoka-Hennepin schools, emphasized, simply stating 'this sucks' or 'this is disgusting' wouldn't be helpful. These students were his guests, and he needed to know their food preferences.

Anoka-Hennepin School District's Lunch Setup

The state's largest school district has an impressive 45 kitchens that serve over 27,000 lunches and approximately 11,500 breakfasts daily. It's no surprise that the most popular items among the kids are the ones one would expect, like chicken tenders and mashed potatoes at lunchtime. Students typically have a choice among 10 to 12 options, including a vegan option, salad, and peanut butter and jelly. This is a significant departure from the 'take it or leave it' approach that many parents remember from their own school days.

Adding New Flavors

Now, Atlas and his staff are on a mission to introduce some new flavors into the daily rotations. However, they need to ensure that the students will actually eat the food before placing large orders. That's why they turned to the Culinary 1 class at Coon Rapids High School for feedback. They passed out bite-sized portions of various foods such as kielbasa on a bun, gyro with tzatziki sauce, and chicken tikka masala. The students then carefully rated each food on a detailed scorecard.

These taste tests are crucial as the top-scoring items will be tested as meal choices later in the school year. If a sufficient number of students choose to buy a particular item, it could earn a permanent spot on the menu for the next school year. For instance, the Caesar salad received a high enough approval rating to be added without further testing.

Senior Andre Matthews, while sampling a BBQ beef sandwich that received only a 50% approval rating from the class, expressed his sense of responsibility. He said, 'What the school eats is really in our hands. I feel special to be part of this process.'

The Impact of Student Feedback

The feedback from the students plays a vital role in shaping the school's lunch offerings. By involving them in the taste testing and decision-making process, the school aims to provide more diverse and enjoyable meals. This not only caters to the students' tastes but also encourages them to make healthier food choices. It's a win-win situation for both the students and the school nutrition department.

As Atlas continues to seek out new flavors and improve the lunch menu, the students' opinions will remain at the forefront. Their honest feedback will help create a more satisfying dining experience for everyone.