Tasty ways to add seafood to K-12 school lunches

K-12 menus are known for offering foods kids love. Familiar comfort foods and classic staples abound in this segment, and some of those familiar foods should be seafood meals. Nearly half of consumers eat fish often, and nearly two-thirds (65%) of consumers typically prepare and eat fish at home, according to data from Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP). Because many younger consumers—kids from those in kindergarten through high school—are familiar with fish because of eating it at home, there’s no reason it can’t make its way onto school lunch menus. For operators planning ahead, here are some great ways to add it to the menu—and what the benefits are of doing so.

Familiar flavors and new tastes

Wild Alaska pollock, thanks to its neutral, mild flavor, is a great option for an array of dishes. From fish tacos to fish sandwiches, breaded fish sticks and more, there’s an option for everyone. Operators should rotate recipes and track which options are the most popular. Customizable options, such as salads, stir fries and grain bowls, can also be topped with Wild Alaska pollock and other fish products such as surimi. Sea Legs Real Simple Surimi is made with wild Alaska pollock and other all-natural ingredients, and it can be used in interesting dishes such as cheesy surimi pasta casserole, surimi spring rolls and spicy surimi ramen. Offer a mix of options that kids know and love already, as well as new and exciting dishes.

Healthy eats

Parents want their kids to eat good food: Fifty-four percent of consumers say heart-healthy foods are important when they’re making purchasing decisions, and 49% say foods high in protein are important, according to GAPP. Appealing to parents is easy when fish is on the menu. Fish options such as wild Alaska pollock and surimi are low in fat and high in protein—perfect for healthy lunch options. In fact, surimi has 7 grams of protein in every 3-ounce portion. Served with sides such as steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes, Wild Alaska pollock and surimi provide a flavorful, healthy option for K-12 diners.

Benefits of wild Alaska pollock and surimi

Wild Alaska pollock and surimi made from Wild Alaska pollock are two fish options that couldn’t be easier to prepare. Surimi is a fully cooked, ready-to-eat product—perfect for hot or cold dishes alike. Easy prep means less strain on back-of-house workers and less cooking overall. In other words, meals made with surimi come together quickly. Additionally, these fish options are sustainable choices. Highlight sustainability to appeal to young diners who might be concerned about the environment and the source of their food. Wild Alaska pollock is a sustainable fish option they’ll love.

For operators looking to change up school lunch menus, surimi made from Wild Alaska pollock and Wild Alaska pollock are two great seafood options that offer versatility, great nutrition and a sustainable option. Learn more about how to add fish to the school lunch menu at tridentseafoods.com.