Each year, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s School Nutrition team promotes the statewide Around the World in 80 Trays event, held the week of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January. The event serves to increase global flavors in USDA School Nutrition Programs and invites students to explore the diverse cultures of their peers through food.
On January, 21 schools or districts registered to participate in the Around the World in 80 Trays event with the intention of introducing new flavors, creating culturally-inspired dishes, exploring the tantalizing world of herbs and spices, and connecting with their students. School food service departments have faced many challenges this school year, including food shortages related to supply chain disruptions, an inability to fill open positions, and adapting operations for COVID-19 policies.
Of the schools or districts that participated in the event, several shared stories and photos of their globally-inspired menu offerings. Check out these highlights:
Milwaukee Academy of Excellence students circled the globe to visit Mexico, Greece, Jamaica, and the Philippines! Each day when students received their lunch, they accepted a stamp on their passport, documenting their trip!
Students from the Wisconsin Heights School District said “yes” to adventure by sampling chicken tikka masala, Greek chicken flatbread, Korean beef, and pulled pork Cuban sandwiches.
At the Columbus School District, students traveled to the Philippines for a delicious meal of Filipino BBQ chicken with banana ketchup! They learned that banana ketchup is a popular condiment made from banana, sugar, vinegar, and spices.
Students in the Stevens Point Area Public School District jetted around the world to sample North African gumbo, Peruvian stuffed pepper casserole, Moroccan stew, Hungarian goulash, and gyros from Greece!
Thank you to all of the schools and districts who participated in the Around the World in 80 Trays event! We appreciate all of your hard work to ensure all Wisconsin students have access to healthy, nutritious meals to learn and grow.
Subscriber submission: Wisconsin DPI’s School Nutrition team