The Benefits of Scratch Cooking in Schools: Start Small, Dream Big
The cafeteria is more than just a place where students socialize and refuel. It’s an educational setting where kids can learn about nutrition, develop healthy eating habits, and enjoy the communal experience of sharing a meal. At School Food and Wellness Group, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of scratch cooking in schools whose programs we’ve helped transition to self-prep. Converting to scratch cooking doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and even small changes can make a significant impact on the quality of the meals you serve at school.
Why Scratch Cooking Matters
Scratch cooking involves preparing meals from basic, whole ingredients instead of relying on processed or pre-packaged foods. Scratch cooking doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach; it’s about starting small and gradually incorporating more homemade elements into your meal program. Some schools make their own salad dressing, some bake their own bread, and some work with raw proteins. The key is to make these changes sustainable for your school. Here’s why scratch cooking is so important:
Nutritional Quality
Meals prepared from scratch are often more nutritious than pre-packaged vended meals, as they contain fewer preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients. By prioritizing scratch cooking, schools can ensure that students receive high-quality, wholesome meals every day.
Taste and Variety
Scratch cooking allows for greater creativity and variety in the menu. Freshly prepared meals can be tailored to suit the tastes and preferences of students, incorporating seasonal and local produce. This can make school meals more appealing and enjoyable, encouraging students to try new foods and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Starting Small: The First Steps
Transitioning to scratch cooking doesn’t require an immediate overhaul of the entire menu. Schools can start small and gradually build their capacity. Here are a few simple ways to begin:
Homemade Salad Dressings
One of the easiest ways to introduce scratch cooking is by making homemade salad dressings. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on the quality and taste of salads. Fresh dressings are often healthier and can be customized to suit students’ preferences.
Enhancing Favorite Meals
Another approach is to enhance existing favorite meals. For example, adding fresh roasted vegetables or a scratch-made sauce to a popular pasta dish, starting a salad bar, or offering build-your-own sandwiches can improve the nutritional content without changing the meal too drastically.
Proven Benefits of Scratch Cooking
Increased Participation
Schools focusing on higher quality meals have higher rates of participation. Studies show increased Average Daily Participation (ADP) between 3-16%, with an average increase of 9%. For instance, the Chef Ann Foundation’s Get School Cooking 2016 cohort reported a 7.1% increase in ADP, along with increased purchase of fresh produce and improved meal quality. In Ventura County, California, ADP doubled when five districts collaborated to improve meal quality.
Financial Sustainability
Scratch cooking can be a cost-effective way to expand the variety of healthy school lunches. It can be cheaper or cost the same as purchasing pre-prepared food. Oakland Unified School District and Minneapolis Public Schools significantly reduced costs, up to $24,000 per year, by transitioning to scratch cooking.
Health and Wellness
Promoting scratch cooking can lead to healthier eating behaviors. School districts that increased the proportion of fresh and scratch-cooked foods offered reported improved student nutrition, increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and improved cognitive function. These changes can reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Academic Performance
Better-quality diets are linked to improved cognitive function, longer attention spans, increased work capacity, better grades, and improved test scores. Well-nourished children are less frequently tardy or absent, have fewer behavioral problems, and participate in class at a higher rate. Research demonstrates that improving the nutritional quality of school meals is one of the most promising and cost-effective ways to enhance student learning.
Investing in Kitchen Staff
One of the most significant aspects of transitioning to scratch cooking is investing in your kitchen staff. Providing training and professional development opportunities can enhance their skills and knowledge, leading to better meal quality and student satisfaction. Here’s how investing in your staff can make a difference:
Training and Professional Development
Training kitchen staff in scratch cooking techniques can boost their confidence and knowledge. Professional development programs can cover topics such as nutrition, food safety, and culinary skills. Well-trained staff are more likely to take pride in their work and contribute to a positive dining experience for students.
Creativity and Autonomy
Giving kitchen staff the freedom to help create recipes can foster creativity and innovation. When staff members have a say in the menu and can contribute their ideas, they are more likely to feel valued and passionate about their work. This sense of ownership can lead to higher job satisfaction and better meal experiences for students.
Success Stories: School Food and Wellness Group
At School Food and Wellness Group, we have successfully transitioned numerous schools to self-prep and scratch cooking. Our approach is tailored to each school’s unique needs, helping them make gradual changes that are sustainable in the long run. By starting small and building on successes, we’ve seen schools dramatically improve their meal programs, increase student participation, and foster a culture of health and wellness.
Conclusion
Scratch cooking in schools is more than just a trend; it’s a commitment to providing students with nutritious, delicious, and educational meals. By starting with small changes, like homemade salad dressings or enhancing favorite meals, schools can begin to reap the benefits of scratch cooking. At School Food and Wellness Group, we are dedicated to helping schools make this transition, ensuring that every student has access to fresh, wholesome food every day. Investing in your kitchen staff through training, quality tools, and creative freedom is a key component of this journey. Together, we can create healthier, happier school communities.
If you are looking to switch to scratch cooking or just want to learn more, schedule a free consultation with us today by emailing us at hello@sfwgroup.org.
Other information was sourced from our team's knowledge
