From Wisconsin Beef Council
School meals can play an influential role in a child’s development of a healthy eating pattern. For some, school meals can provide two thirds or more of their daily caloric intake.
As a nutrient-dense, high-quality lean protein, beef is a flavorful food which can be a foundational part of dietary patterns and healthful school meals. Providing high quality protein, zinc, iron, choline, phosphorus and B vitamins including B6 and B12, beef makes a perfect complement for other healthy foods on the plate like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy — which all provide their own unique mix of nutrients like vitamin C, folate, calcium, potassium and dietary fiber.
BEEF RESOURCE GUIDE FOR K-12 SCHOOL FOODSERVICE
The School Foodservice Beef Resource Guide aids school foodservice professionals in understanding the significance of incorporating beef in menus and utilizing locally sourced options. It covers a range of topics including information on:
• Beef cuts for school lunches
• The importance of beef nutrition for adolescents
• Storage and preparation tips for frozen and thawed beef
• Using the Meat/Meat Alternatives (M/MA) crediting guide with local products
• An assortment of credited, large quantity beef recipes
