Jason Greenberg, Founder and Owner of Early Risers in Brookline, Massaschusetts joins David for an insightful discussion of how he positioned the center to recover from the COVID shutdown, how he is dealing with current staffing issues in a tight labor market, and the future of childcare and preschools post-COVID.
Recent Posts
September means back-to-school, and for many parents, back-to-work in an office environment - maybe for the first time in years. And as preschools and childcare centers struggle to increase capacity, the primary force holding many back is the availability of employees to fully staff centers so that all classrooms can be open and full. Smart Lunches can help relieve some of the strain by keeping your teachers out of the kitchen and in the classroom. Read more about how it works and what's on the menu in September.
Our culinary team introduces several new selections in August. See what you can be serving in your preschool or childcare center when you partner with Smart Lunches, including gluten-free, vegetarian and allergen-free selections. August features three different entree selections every day and over 40 different selections each month. Our delicious, hassle-free meals are prepared off-site and delivered fresh daily.(And if you want to download a PDF of the August menu, simply scroll to the bottom and click the image.)
| In an important development for owners and administrators of preschools, childcare centers and adult day care centers nationwide, the USDA has significantly increased reimbursement rates for CACFP qualified breakfasts, lunches and snacks. |
It's hard to believe that July is here, bringing with it summer, vacations, and of course, some great food! Our July menu features three entrees to choose from — each and every day. Let's dig into some of the hightlights. (And if you want to download a PDF of the July menu, simply scroll to the bottom and click the image.)
In May, we are offering more than 40 different entree selections throughout the month! That means you could go through the entire month without serving the same lunch twice. But if you wanted to, you could, because we also offer 2 - 3 different selections each day. That's flexibility! Continue reading to learn more about our May menu and download a copy.
Welcome to April at Smart Lunches! Easter Bunnies and Easter Eggs. Spring flowers and April showers. Lengthening days and more time outdoors. We're also anticipating the 2022 National Child Nutrition Conference, April 18 - 22, 2022. If you're attending, look for our ad in the conference program.
Of course, we're also excited to bring your this month's menu. Let's take a closer look at what we're serving to kids from Massachusetts to Virginia in April.
The coming of March means that Spring is around the corner. Smart Lunches is celebrating March with a delicious variety of meals, from French Toast with Eggs to the ever-popular Mac & Cheese, that will put a spring in your step. We offer meals that feature quality lean meats, like turkey or chicken, or you can choose our daily vegetarian selection.
Have you wondered what the process is like to order your meals through Smart Lunches? Our latest video podcast takes you on a virtual tour of our menu strategy and our online ordering portal.
February's menu is here, and we have a great selection of entrees, sides, snacks and breakfasts for you to choose from!
Chili 3 Ways!
Chili is a great way to warm up when it is cold outside. This month, we feature three different chili recipes that kids are sure to love. We have the very popular - and vegetarian - Veggie Chili with Whole Grain Rice, Turkey Chili with Whole Grain Rice, and the tasty Veggie Chili Mac.
Breakfast for Lunch
Breakfast for lunch is a fun way to mix things up for the kids. In February, Smart Lunches will feature our Whole Grain French Toast with Eggs, and our Cheesy Frittata with Whole Wheat Bread. And if you really want to mix things up, we even have Chicken & Waffles!
Expanding Palates
Smart Lunches offers many entrees that introduce flavors of great culinary traditions from around the world. Some examples from our February menu include:
- Arroz Con Pollo
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Lentil Curry
- Turkey Spanish Rice
Download the complete menu for February 2022.