Strengthening Plant-Forward School Meals with Beef

Childhood is a critical time to prioritize balanced nutrition due to its essential role in supporting healthy growth and development. However, nutrient deficiencies are alarmingly common during this life stage - the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlights the low diet quality scores of American children and adolescents, many of whom are not getting enough high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline, and vitamins B6 and B12. Incorporating beef as a flavorful component of plant-forward school meals can help close these nutrient gaps, help model healthy eating patterns, and help to nourish American school children - supporting their growth, development, and overall good health. Ultimately, with this strong foundation, American school children and adolescents will be more enabled to reach their full potential.

School nutrition professionals are faced with everyday challenges to providing affordable and versatile healthy dietary choices that the children and adolescents they serve will eat. Beef is a nutrient dense, flavorful and familiar food that can increase nutrient quality of school meals and may encourage the consumption of other healthy foods including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Learn innovative and simple opportunities for including beef on your plant-forward school menu.