On November 12, 2024, LCPS School Nutrition hosted a taste test where they offered samples of three different dishes, including Chicken Tinga, Ramen, and Tortellini.
Samples were free, and after tasting them, students could fill out a slip of paper simply asking if the student liked or disliked the taste of the particular dish, and if they would like to purchase it for lunch if it was offered on the menu.
According to Nutrition and Procurement Contractor Brittany Palaschak, the purpose of the taste testing was to receive student feedback on new possible lunch items, while also appealing to students of different cultures or ethnicities. This event also offered students information about nutritional needs, such as hydration. Exposing students to other cultural foods helps to create an air of acceptance and awareness at our school.
Furthermore, implementing these types of dishes can help to cut costs by reducing the amount of pre prepared foods, and replacing them with dishes that can be prepared by hand. All of the offered dishes adhered to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition guidelines as stated by Palaschak, while also promoting visually appealing foods.
When it comes to taste, many students seemed to be enjoying the samples. My personal favorite was the Chicken Tinga for its home-cooked tasting flavor and pleasing presentation.
