We hope you are stoked about this radical spring-like weather currently dropping in over Iowa, and it is getting you in the Aloha vibe for National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) coming March 4-8, 2024. This year's theme is SURF'S UP with School Breakfast, and how fitting as the weather feels like it might be getting closer to bathing suit season. Who are we kidding? It's Iowa; wait a few days, and it will probably be back under zero with 12 inches more of snow to fall.
No matter what the weather may be on the outside, this year's NSBW theme is a surefire way to heat up your cafeterias with a much-needed tropical getaway for all your kiddos. It's time to lighten the mood and plan some super fun tropical menus, staff dress-up opportunities, and cafeteria decor to celebrate the importance of a nutritious breakfast in the success of your student's educational adventure.
We felt the Aloha vibes in preparing these quantity breakfast recipes featuring some totally tubular tropical ingredients.
- Banana Creme Stuffed Waffles with Tropical Fruit Compote (2 B/G, 1/2 Cup Fruit) - a decadent way to start the morning. Compote is a fancy culinary word for a warm fruit or vegetable sauce.
- Blueberry Coconut WGR Sheet Pan Pancake (2 B/G, 1/8 Cup Fruit) - super versatile recipe where the fruit toppings can be swapped out for any other tropical fruit.
- Pineapple Upside Down Oatmeal WGR Breakfast Cake (2 B/G, 1/8 Cup Fruit) - a classic dessert reimagined for school breakfast service. Adapted from Pineapple Upside Down Oatmeal Cake recipe - A Whisk and Two Wands, accessed 1/23/24
- Coconut Lime Cheesecake WGR Taquitos with Tropical Fruit Salsa (2 B/G, 1/2 Cup Fruit) - creamy filling surrounded by cinnamon sugar toasted tortillas. The salsa combines fruit with no veggies, making it more acceptable to younger kiddos. Adapted from Cheesecake Taquito recipe - Life in the Lofthouse, accessed 1/23/24
- Pineapple Creamsicle Yogurt Smoothie (1 M/MA, 1 Cup Fruit) - the Surf's Up theme lends itself to a wide array of tropical fruit smoothies; here is one recipe combining pineapple, bananas, and orange juice. Adapted from Tropical Pineapple Orange Smoothie recipe - Two Healthy Kitchens, accessed 1/23/24
- Hawaiian WGR Breakfast Pizza (1.25 M/MA, 1 B/G) - mini flatbread topped with queso, eggs, ham, and, of course, pineapple. Try it at lunch using a larger flatbread - Hawaiian WGR Breakfast Pizza for Lunch (2 M/MA, 2 B/G).
- Pineapple Orange WGR Muffins with Coconut Crumble (1 B/G, 1/8 Cup Fruit) - fruit-forward flavors with crunchy sweet crumble topping. Adapted from "I wish I were in the Tropics" recipe - A Cup of Sugar...A Pinch of Salt, accessed 1/23/24
- Mango Banana Oat WGR Muffins with Lime Glaze (1 B/G, 1/4 Cup Fruit) - applesauce and oats add well-deserved health benefits to this yummy muffin. Adapted from Banana Berry Muffins recipe - MyPlate.gov, accessed 1/23/24
Supporting Recipes
Tropical Fruit Compote (1/2 cup equals 1/2 Fruit)
Tropical Fruit Salsa (1/2 cup equals 1/2 cup Fruit)
Additionally, here are some resources we found for all your planning needs.
- School Nutrition Association NSBW Webpage - find out the history of NSBW and look for branded promotional products to help decorate and engage your students and community.
- Jim Coleman Store - direct link to SNA's marketing materials.
- 100 Ways to Celebrate NSBW by Kristen Nauss of Buying School Foods - need a jump start on creative ways to celebrate this year? Check out this article.
- Iowa Department of Education Breakfast Program Home Page - a great place to start or get a refresher on what makes a spectacular breakfast program.
- Surfer Lingo - create awesome theme menu names using the latest and greatest surfer slang.
As always, we would love to see your rad NSBW pictures. Send photos of your menu, your staff having fun, and your decor.
We wish you the very best National School Breakfast Week, and hope you, Dudes and Dudettes, continue to Hang Ten!!
