At Marshall Public Schools in Marshall, Michigan the salad bars were redesigned. Food service staff made some adjustments to their salad bar in effort to draw more students in and encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables.
One change that was made at Marshall was making the salad bar items more colorful and appealing. Handmade salad bar items were also added. This change helped attract students to the salad bar area, making them more likely to choose fruits and vegetables with their meal.
Another improvement that was made at Marshall was adding bright and engaging signage around the lunch line and throughout the cafeteria. Food service staff had noticed that the new signs encouraging students to choose fruits and vegetables has really made a positive impact in the lunchroom.
Marshall Public Schools also partnered with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension staff to conduct pre and post lunchroom surveys. Students were able to fill about the surveys and voice what they liked and disliked about their school lunches and lunchroom. The MSU Extension staff then shared their recommendations to the school and together they help make the changes they see necessary.
More from this Michigan Team Nutrition Smarter Lunchroom Moves Success Story Compendium:
- Impact of Smarter Lunchroom Coaches
- Partnerships Create Culture of Health
- Partner to Power Smarter Lunchrooms
- School Gardens Engage Students
- Smarter Lunchroom Moves that Work
- Smarter Lunchroom Student Teams
- Student Input Fuels Participation
Contributor
Nicholas Drzal, RD, MPH, Michigan Department of Education
For more information, contact Paul Yettaw, Food Service Director, Marshall Public Schools, Michigan