Students get a taste of what’s to come in cafeterias this fall

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Students at Stevenson Middle School got a first taste Friday of several new foods being added to the HISD Nutrition Services menu in the coming weeks.

The tasting event involved dozens of students, who were encouraged to submit their feedback after sampling the menu items, which included apple muffins, vegetarian chili, and sweet potato muffins.

HISD Nutrition Services plans to debut several new offerings this fall, including spicy chicken tenders to the High School menu. Students will also see international items, including Szechuan chicken bowl and empanadas.

“These new items were developed in response to students asking us for more variety,” said Audene Chung, HISD’s senior administrator for Nutrition Services. “We’re exploring new ingredients and revamping our recipes on other items to keep our menus interesting and delicious.”

For the first time, a turkey burger will be introduced in rotation with the beef burger. Sweet potato makes its debut in a spice cake and a sweet potato crusted fish fillet. Breakfast is also seeing fresh new choices, including apple muffins and oatmeal, as well as updates to favorites such as cinnamon toast revamped to Texas cinnamon toast, with the thicker bread characteristic of Texas toast.

In addition to the new menu items, an innovative grab-and-go concept is being added to some high schools. The pilot program features wraps and upscale pre-made sandwiches for busy students.

Students at Reagan HS also got a chance to taste some of the new menu items.

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