School meals can play an influential role in a child's development of a healthy eating pattern. For some, school meals can provide two thirds or more of their daily caloric intake.
As a nutrient-dense, high-quality lean protein, beef is a flavorful food which can be a foundational part of dietary patterns and healthful school meals. Providing high quality protein, zinc, iron, choline, phosphorus and B vitamins including B6 and B12, beef makes a perfect complement for other healthy foods on the plate like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy -- which all provide their own unique mix of nutrients like vitamin C, folate, calcium, potassium and dietary fiber.
The School Foodservice Beef Resource Guide aids school foodservice professionals in understanding the significance of incorporating beef in menus and utilizing locally sourced options. It covers a range of topics including information on:
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Beef cuts for school lunches
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The importance of beef nutrition for adolescents
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Storage and preparation tips for frozen and thawed beef
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Using the Meat/Meat Alternatives (M/MA) crediting guide with local products
• An assortment of credited, large quantity beef recipes