Welcome to 2022! At Smart Lunches, we're entering the year with positivity and excitement. We're safely serving over 4000 lunches a day to kids in preschools and child care centers from Massachusetts to Virginia, and more partners are joining us every week.
All of our meals are prepared off-site and delivered fresh daily - a critical advantage as so many centers are struggling with staffing issues.
We're pleased to share our January 2022 menu, and to point out a few of the highlights.
Whole Grains!
An important feature of our menu, and a key criteria for CACFP, is our commitment to whole grains in every entrée. If you look closely at our menu, you will see that each selection includes whole grain rice, whole grain pasta, whole wheat tortillas, whole grain biscuits, whole wheat bread, or, well, you get the idea.
Explore New Flavors
Another thing you are sure to notice is the variety on our menu. Much has been written about the importance of expanding children's palates as key to establishing good nutrition and eating habits. (You can learn more about this in the 3-part Interview with Elise Lindstrom, RDN from 2021.)
Many of our partners will split their orders between a more traditional selection, like Mac & Cheese, Chicken Nuggets or our Pasta Bake, and something a little more exotic or ethnic. However, you can be certain that these selections are created to gently introduce new flavors with subtle spices, flavor combinations and textures that won't put off your picky eaters.
Featured in January:
- Fiesta Tofu
- Mexican Turkey
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Arroz con Pollo
- Lentil Bolognese
- Chicken Curry
These exceptional entrees are paired with tasty sides like, cucumbers, mashed sweet potatoes, vegetarian baked beans, roasted root vegetables, steamed carrots, Italian green beans, mango, peaches, pineapple, oranges or applesauce.
Download the complete menu for January 2021.
