Taste Test Event Engages Community in School Meal Choices

November 20th, 2024

More than 550 HCPSS students, staff and families attended HCPSS’ first-ever taste test event, held Nov. 14 at Guilford Park High School. Attendees had the opportunity to taste potential and existing school menu items and provide feedback on the items’ taste, texture, and appearance. The feedback will be compiled and used by HCPSS’ Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to improve recipes and create school meals that appeal to students.

The event wasn’t just about getting the community’s input on school meals, though, says Brian Ralph, HCPSS’ director of Food and Nutrition Services.

“Taste tests are a great way to get students to try healthy foods at schools. They also give students and parents a voice in selecting healthy school menu meals, empowering them to make nutritious choices while increasing their awareness of regulations governing school meals.”

At the same time, Ralph says, by enabling students to help shape the school menu and identify food they wish to eat, taste tests create opportunities for students to reduce food waste in the cafeteria.

HCPSS plans to host a second taste test event in the spring. In the meantime, those wishing to provide general feedback to Food and Nutrition Services can find details on calling or submitting a feedback form online.