Last month, the Minnetonka Nutrition Services Department launched two new ways for families to stay connected—the monthly “Tonka Fresh” Newsletter and an accompanying @TonkaFresh Instagram account.

“We’re excited to showcase what we do, how we do it, and why we do what we do,” shared Kristen Turnblad, Director of Nutrition Services for the District. “Our newsletter and Instagram account will offer families a behind-the-scenes look at our program so that they can feel even more informed about the meals students are offered through our district.”

Through local partner spotlights, Minnetonka Nutrition Services is using both communications channels to share updates about how fresh produce is sourced for the District and how new menu items are piloted and added into rotations for students to enjoy.

One of the Nutrition Services Department’s goals this year has been to add more meal options to school menus, including offering a wider variety of products that are traditionally served throughout the world and in different cultures. 

“We want to offer an array of cuisines to reflect the cultures of all of our students and to provide them with opportunities to learn more about global dishes,” Turnblad shared in the December edition of Tonka Fresh. “When introducing a new menu item, we generally begin with the High School, as this cafeteria has the largest volume in the district. If the new meal or item is well-liked by students, we plan a schedule for adding it to the middle school and elementary school menus.” 

Nutrition Services has added a number of new meals to its menus at the High School, including Beef and Lamb Gyros, Chicken Tikka Masala, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Nordic Waffles (a Minnesota State Fair favorite!). The department is excited to begin offering Pupusas later this month. Middle school students can get ready to try some of these new items beginning in January, as a fun way to start the new year.

Another priority in the department has been listening to Minnetonka Nutrition Services’ main audience: students. In addition to surveys, students will have more sampling opportunities during lunch periods to taste potential items before they are added to the menu. Recently, students sampled pupusas, and they were a hit! Pupusas are a traditional item from El Salvador and Honduras, made with thick corn tortillas filled with savory Birria beef or pinto beans and cheese. This new item will be on school lunch menus beginning this month. The Nutrition Services Department is also connecting with groups of students at our elementary schools to gain the perspectives of the District’s youngest learners. Students will be able to collaborate with Nutrition Services staff to discuss the school meal menus. 

To learn more about Minnetonka Nutrition Services, visit the department’s newly refreshed website, follow @TonkaFresh on Instagram, and watch your email inbox for the next edition of the Tonka Fresh newsletter.