From the Kitchen to the Cafeteria: High-Quality Staples Kids Will Love

As a chef with well over a decade in foodservice—most of that time spent in catering—I’ve learned that success in feeding a crowd comes down to offering familiar favorites and making life easier for the people behind the scenes. That’s precisely what we aim to do at Simplot, partnering with K-12 operators to deliver nutritious, high-quality, and easy-to-execute meals that keep students engaged and well-fed. Because, let’s face it, a hungry kid isn’t going to ace that math test.

The challenge: Keeping kids at the table

One of the biggest hurdles school foodservice teams face is student participation. Sure, kids are open to trying new foods—73% have sampled something new in the past week, but only 7% are willing to take that first bite at school.¹ That’s why sticking to high-quality, well-loved staples is a winning strategy. Comfort foods with a nutritious twist help ensure students actually eat what’s on their tray instead of tossing it in the trash. Even as adults, we all experience joy when our favorite simple dish is done well at a restaurant or when we have our favorite home-cooked meal after a long day. There’s a lesson here: Keep it simple for our kids, and they will be more likely to finish their plates.

Understanding the student palate: What the data tells us

K-12 operators know the struggle of trying to please young eaters. The data backs up just how tough this job can be:¹

• 58% of kids say they don’t like the cafeteria options, making it a challenge to keep participation rates high.

• 49% of parents agree their kids are picky eaters, proving that familiar, approachable dishes are key to success.

• While 73% of kids have tried a new food in the past week, only 7% do so at school. This means schools aren’t the primary place for food exploration—making it crucial to serve meals that kids already know and love.

By leaning into these insights, K-12 operators can focus on meals that offer comfort and nutrition, ensuring students actually eat and enjoy what’s on their plates. Sometimes simplicity wins when feeding the next generation of young minds, and the win here is to allow lunch to be a break with simple dishes so they can get back into the classroom and succeed. It’s fun to encourage kids to explore new food, but maybe school isn’t the place for this. The data shows that virtually no kids skip lunch, so offering simple, enjoyable meals can only help them make it through the afternoon.

Winning dishes that work in any K-12 cafeteria

To help boost participation, let’s focus on dishes that kids already love, and that are simple to prepare with Simplot products. These meals check all the boxes: they are easy to execute, nutritious, and—most importantly—delicious.

More than just products—a true partner in K-12 success

At Simplot, we know feeding students goes beyond just having the right ingredients. That’s why we offer marketing support, accredited recipes, and menu inspiration to help K-12 operators maximize participation while keeping labor costs in check. Have you seen our latest K-12 Trend Feast®? Download your copy here for on-trend recipes that are fun yet simple and keep kids engaged in the cafeteria. We’re here to make your job easier so you can focus on what matters most: keeping kids happy, healthy, and ready to learn.

Looking for more recipe ideas or operational support? Head to our website to learn more about how we can be your partner in the K-12 space.

¹ Datassential K12 Keynote, 2025