Executive Update
The Variety Equation: Determining What Works for Your School District Effective Food Cost Control Strategies for Food Service Operations By Sally Spero, SNS, School Foodservice Consultant Three minute read In Brief: Menu variety is crucial in school foodservice, but success depends on knowing your students’ preferences, operational capabilities, and resource constraints. The key is finding the right balance for your specific district’s needs. R ecent industry research confirms that menu variety remains crucial in today’s dining landscape. According
In school food service, diverse menu options are increasingly apparent. Today’s students are more culturally connected and food-aware than ever, showing interest in new flavors and cuisines. This creates both an opportunity and a challenge: How do we determine the right amount of variety for our specific student population? The answer depends on several key factors. Finding the Right Balance for Your District While the trend toward menu variety is unmistakable, implementing effectively requires a thoughtful
to the National Restaurant Association’s 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, 70% of consumers say menu variety is an essential factor in choosing where to dine. This preference for diverse options is particularly strong among younger gener- ations, with Gen Z and Millennial diners specifically seeking out establishments that offer innovative and globally-inspired menu items.
approach that balances innovation with practical- ity. Every school district has unique characteristics, operational constraints, and cultural dynamics that must be considered. To determine the optimal level of vari- ety for your specific situa- tion and ensure successful implementation, consider these key factors in your planning process:
30
Continues on next page
Powered by FlippingBook