Aramark Newsletter: Food For Thought

A Bright Start to May

May brings fresh energy and warmer days, and we are here for it. We’re also honored to begin the month by celebrating School Lunch Hero Day. The heartfelt, handmade thank‑yous our teams receive remind us how much their care and dedication mean to your students.

As spring continues, our kitchens stay focused on nourishing students each school day with fresh, seasonal flavors and meals that support learning, energy, and joy. We’re grateful to be part of your student’s day and look forward to a powering potential for a great month ahead.

This Month’s Limited-Time Offer: Bruschetta Chicken Focaccia

At Eversole Run Middle School, the kitchen is serving up a fresh, flavorful LTO that students will love! For a limited time, we’re featuring Bruschetta Chicken Focaccia—hand‑pressed focaccia topped with diced chicken, fresh plum tomato bruschetta, melted mozzarella, and a drizzle of herb mayo. It’s a warm, comforting meal with bright, classic flavors that feel just right for spring.

If your student enjoys trying something new (and delicious!), be sure they don’t miss it before it’s gone!

National BBQ Day

Summer means BBQs and cookouts! On May 15th, our High Schools will be serving up BBQ favorites on our entree, grill, deli, and pizza lines!

So students, get ready for a day of delicious food!

School Lunch Hero Day

Every day, long before the first bell rings, our school nutrition is already hard at work making sure every student has a healthy, nourishing meal. On May 1st, we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day, a day dedicated to honoring the incredible professionals who serve nearly 30 million students each school day.

Take a moment to stop by the cafeteria and say thank you. A kind word, a smile, or a simple handwritten note from a student can mean the world to the people who show up every day to fuel our kids for success!

The word %22Sweet%22 at the top in white lettering with an orange back around. Chocolate chip cookies on top of a yellow background.

Wellness Corner: Game on!

May is Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and it’s the perfect time to get kids moving! We’ll be encouraging active habits in our cafeterias to help fuel growing bodies and busy minds. With longer days and warmer weather, we also invite families to join in—whether it’s a walk after dinner, a game in the yard, or trying a new sport together.

Looking for ideas? Check out this helpful read for parents. A little movement each day can make a big difference!

Read the article here: https://www.fyp365.com/active-kids-healthy-kids-whats-a-parent-to-do/

Recipe Spotlight: Cool, Colorful & Fun

Looking for a simple, kid‑friendly, and healthy recipe that feels just right for warmer days? Confetti Yogurt Pops are an easy win! Made with yogurt and colorful mix‑ins, they’re fun for kids to help make and refreshing to enjoy as the season shifts—a cool treat the whole family will love.

Find the recipe here: https://www.fyp365.com/recipes/confetti-yogurt-pops/

Events

Here at Aramark, we take pride in engaging students in the cafeteria! Our events are designed to bring students and staff together through food. From themed meal days and taste tests to celebrations and special pop-ups, these events enable students to try new foods, learn about balanced choices, and enjoy familiar favorites in a relatable way.

Try It Tuesday

Have you ever struggled to get your kids excited about eating fruits and veggies? You’re not alone! That’s why Dublin City Food Service started “Try It Tuesday”! A monthly tradition in which students try a new fruit or vegetable each month. Learn how it works and why your students love it.

Encouraging students to eat fruits and veggies isn't easy, especially with picky eaters. Introducing new foods can feel like a never-ending battle, and it only gets harder as kids grow. Early food experiences shape future habits; according to the CDC, “Early eating experiences can also affect how we eat as we get older.” (CDC, 2021) Try It Tuesday addresses this by making fruits and vegetables approachable and fun.

Student standing behind tray with samples

What is Try It Tuesday? Once a month, students sample a new or current fruit or veggie. The principal gives a brief introduction about its benefits and origin. Students vote on what they want to try next. Dietitian Allison Silva notes that giving kids control at mealtimes increases their willingness to try new foods, supporting our voting method.

Some Try It Tuesdays aren’t hits—students may not enjoy every sample, and sometimes they compare it to things they dislike. That’s okay. We don’t scold them; instead, we praise good manners and encourage them to try again next month. We celebrate effort, even if they just learn about a new food.

To stay connected and engaged with what’s happening, follow our Instagram and Facebook to see what your students are sampling each month. Join the conversation by sharing your child’s Try It Tuesday experience or letting us know which new fruits or veggies your family is enjoying at home! Your involvement helps us make healthy eating even more fun for everyone.

ACE School Visits

ACE is Aramark's official cheerful mascot who helps students learn about healthy eating, trying new foods, and making smart choices! ACE has been touring elementary schools around the district with a big smile and lots of school spirit!

His first stop was to celebrate the opening of Bishop Elementary! He high-fived his way through the lunchroom with our general manager, Megan. Teaching the importance of eating a well-balanced lunch before returning to class.

Special Event Promotions

Limited Time Offers

Limited Time Offers are unique menu items available every month for a short period of time. These offerings give students the opportunity to try something new and exciting while keeping meals fresh, fun, and engaging throughout the school year.

LTOs allows us to introduce new flavors, recipes, and food trends without making permanent changes to the menu. By selecting new items for a limited time, students can experience variety and creativity at meqaltime, while parents can feel confident knowing meals are thoughtfully planned and balanced.

LTOs help keep students interested in school meals and encourages them to explore foods they may not normally choose. When students are excited about what's being served, they're more likely to participate in school meals and enjoy a positive dining experience.

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