Menu Strategy Matrix

Strategies	Minimal	Enhanced	Advanced
Know Your Students:	The menu is largely based on food items that have the reputation of being popular with children. There is no mechanism to capture student feedback.	The menu has some recipes that are globally inspired and has periodically offered taste tests or received feedback on certain meals.	The menu contains recipes that reflect student demographics. Student voice is heard and is a driver for what is offered on the menu.
Minimally Processed	The menu is primarily heat and serve, ultra processed entrees.	The menu balances the use of heat and serve entrees with recipes that are more complex. There are scratch cooked elements to meals.	Scratch cooked menu items outnumber the amount of heat and serve food items. The District has ingredient and value standards for better school food purchasing .
Fruits and Vegetables	There are no elevated (multistep)recipes for fruit or vegetable sides. A salad bar is not available.	Some elevated vegetable recipes and fruit options available. A variety of fresh fruit and vegetable options available daily.	Elevated vegetable recipes and fruit options available daily. A salad bar is available daily.
Leaning into Local	There is no intentional procurement of local fruit or vegetables.	Some fruits and vegetables are intentionally sourced local. District participates in Harvest of the Month .	Protein, grain, fruits, and vegetables are prioritized being sourced local. These items are labeled to connect students to where their food comes from.
Plant Based Proteins	A vegetarian option is usually available daily, but lacks variety. Few plant-based meat/meat alternatives are menued.	A vegetarian option is provided daily and rotates over the week. Some meals have the option of a plant based meat/meat alternative.	Vegetarian option available daily and labeled on the menu. Plant based proteins are often represented and are close to the main entree for menu equity.
Meal Modifications	A separate meal will be available to students who require modifications, but repeats and has minimal variety.	Meal modifications are always made with some variety, but not similar to the main entree of the day.	Meal modifications are thoughtful and keep the integrity of the menu offered that day. District has capacity to provide Kosher or Halal meals .

Last Updated: July 31, 2025