School Foodservice

School Foodservice Resources

School-age years, especially adolescence, are a pivotal time for proper nutrition to support healthy growth–yet nutrient deficiencies are alarmingly common during this life stage. In fact, many children, including adolescents, fall short on consuming essential nutrients to support learning, activity, and development such as high quality protein, iron, zinc, choline, and vitamins B6 and B12, which are all readily available in beef. Beef deliciously enhances nutritious meals—making it easier for growing children to enjoy key nutrients that fuel optimal physical and cognitive development, as well as immunity.^1,2–5

The Why for Beef in School Meals

Beef is flavorful and is nutrient-rich.
Beef pairs well with other healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy.
We need to keep in mind that kids tend to accept and eat:

Foods served at home
Foods served at local food establishments
Foods on trend – influenced by peers, media, social media

School meal programs can provide nearly two-thirds of daily calories for kids, and therefore play an influential role in the development of a healthy dietary pattern.

_{1. Krebs, N.F., et al., Effects of different complementary feeding regimens on iron status and enteric microbiota in breastfed infants. J
Pediatr, 2013. 163(2): p. 416-23.
2. Benton D. The influence of dietary status on the cognitive performance of children. Mol Nutr Food Res 2010;54:457–70.

3. Benton D, et al. Micronutrient status, cognition and behavioral problems in childhood. Eur J Nutr 2008;47:38-50.

4. Falkingham M, et al. The effects of oral iron supplementation on cognition in older children and adults: a systematic review and metaanalysis.
Nutrition Journal 2010;9:4.

5. Smith AD, Refsum H. Vitamin B-12 and cognition in the elderly. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;89:707S-11S}