Fresh from California: Menu Planning Support Sessions
![](https://ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image_small/public/menu_planning_1400px.png?itok=ONzFsvWK×tamp=1656515652)
Looking for new ideas for your menus? Over the course of Spring 2022, the Center for Ecoliteracy hosted monthly menu planning support sessions in partnership with LunchAssist for our Fresh from California campaign. These informal group discussions were designed to support school nutrition professionals in plant-forward menu planning. Agendas were centered around local procurement, freshly prepared meals, menu/recipe considerations, navigating special diets, and much more to incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes into school menus. Each session is intended for California school nutrition directors and school district menu planners.
Haven't heard about Fresh from California? Learn more here!
![Culturally Diverse Cuisines Culturally Diverse Cuisines](https://ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/styles/multirow_image/public/media/culturally_diverse_cuisines_29june22.jpg?itok=9My_3KW-)
Menu Planning Support Session #1
March 9, 2022
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This session highlights recipes that incorporate international flavors and culturally diverse cuisines along with inspiration for National Nutrition Month celebrations.
![Allergies and Special Diets Allergies and Special Diets](https://ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/styles/multirow_image/public/media/allergies_and_special_diets_29june22.jpg?itok=E4yUhiFp)
Menu Planning Support Session #2
April 20, 2022
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This session showcases more culturally diverse cuisines and offers technical assistance and guidance on incorporating plant-forward meals for students with common allergies and special diets.
![Sustainable Salad Bars Sustainable Salad Bars](https://ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/styles/multirow_image/public/media/sustainable_salad_bars_29june22.jpg?itok=xZQ9mlrd)
Menu Planning Support Session #3
May 18, 2022
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This session highlights strategies for building a sustainable salad bar and includes new enticing ideas that promote a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for students.
![Student Taste Testing Student Taste Testing](https://ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/styles/multirow_image/public/media/student_taste_tasting_29june22.jpg?itok=nuL2a8cQ)
Menu Planning Support Session #4
June 15, 2022
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This session covers how to standardize recipes to meet USDA’s National School Lunch Program compliance and provides tips for running a successful staff and student taste test.