Child Nutrition Student Engagement
Child Nutrition has implemented the following programs to engage students and to ensure continuous improvement with menus, recipes, meal service, and overall satisfaction with the nutrition programs.
Annual Child Nutrition Culinary Cook-off
Child Nutrition has designed a program to engage the Culinary Arts Students at the Satellite Center in the design of new menus through a Culinary Cook-off Contest. In addition to engaging the students in the Child Nutrition program, it provides an opportunity for the student to showcase their skills and to learn new ones.
Child Nutrition provides one featured product to the students and they have to create a menu and recipe that will meet specific set guidelines. Each student will receive a prize for participation and there will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize.
|
CHILD NUTRITION CULINARY COOK-OFF WINNERS |
|||
|
YEAR |
WINNER |
SPONSOR/PRODUCT |
WINNING RECIPE |
|
2017-18 |
Ashton Cotton – HHS |
Tyson Lemongrass Chicken Strips |
Lemongrass Curry |
|
2018-19 |
Juliet Binder – HHS |
Tyson Pulled Chicken |
Chicken Pot Pie |
|
2019-20 |
Da’Ja Thomas – DHS |
Tyson Chicken Meatballs |
Garlic Herb Spaghetti w/Baked Meatballs |
|
2022-23 |
Casey Blanchard – HHS |
Tyson Pulled Chicken |
Chicken & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie |
|
2023-24 |
Jaden Champagne – HHS |
Jennie-O Slow Roasted Turkey |
Turkey Birria Street Tacos |
|
2025-26 |
Mariah Greene - HHS |
Michael's Food Liquid Eggs |
Glory Burger |
2025-2026 Annual Child Nutrition Culinary Cook-Off
Featuring Pasteurized Liquid Eggs
CNP hosted the annual Culinary Cook-Off at the Satellite Center on Friday, November 21, 2025. In conjunction with Michael Foods, students were asked to cook with Pasteurized Liquid Eggs. Several judges from throughout the district enjoyed the many "eggscellent" dishes, ranging from Japanese Egg Curry Udon Soup to Sirloin Steak with Béarnaise Sauce. The top winner received a set of pots donated by Michael Foods and a $250.00 check donated by our local SNA group. The second place received a $250.00 check donated by our local SNA group. Everyone participating received a Smoothie King gift card. The winners were Mariah Greene with a Morning Glory Burger and Haley Ojeda with a Steak, Egg and Potato Breakfast Tortilla with Chimichurri.
2025-2026 Mini Vendor Food Show
Thanks to Destrehan High School, RK Smith Middle School, and Norco Elementary School for hosting our Third Annual Student Mini Vendor Food Show.
The students had a blast voting on what foods they want on the menu next year. They were given the option to vote whether or not they “Loved It, Liked It, or Tried It.” We had several hundred students participate in testing and voting on future menu items.
We tested several items this past school year, including Popwell’s Prebiotic Soda, Tyson Chicken Fries, Waffle Sticks, and Pretzel Dogs. Given our current menu, pricing, and student test results, we will rotate Tyson Chicken Fries on the menu.
We can't wait to do this again in the new school year!
Nutrition Education Connection Tour (NEXT)
This program was designed to engage 2nd-grade elementary students in Child Nutrition, nutrition education, and cafeteria/classroom connection. The goal of the NEXT Program is to expose young children to kitchen methods and materials in order to better understand the overall preparation and cooking process of the food they eat at school. The nutrition education component will foster healthy eating habits and expose students to healthy foods in the cafeteria setting.
Student Focus Groups K-12
Each year, schools are selected to participate in student focus groups to provide feedback on new food products and menus. In addition, new products will be served at selected schools as a test to gain feedback before placing on the district menu. If the new menu is 50-60% favorable, then the item is considered for the menu the following year. This process ensures that our menus and products are student-tested and approved.