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True Food Taste Tests
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True Food Taste Tests

True Food Taste Tests
Carrot & Beet Slaw
 
Three times each school year, MPS Culinary & Wellness Services hosts True Food Taste Tests during lunch in elementary and middle schools to expose students to new flavors and food, and to encourage adventurous eating habits. 

Spring Taste Test: April 15-17

Carrot & Beet Slaw  

This spring-inspired taste test will feature fresh veggies, bright colors, and lots of flavor! Our spring True Food Taste Test recipe is a fresh carrot and beet slaw with homemade honey balsamic dressing. 

Volunteer for the taste test! MPS Culinary & Wellness Services is seeking volunteers to help at schools on April 15, 16, and/or 17 during lunch, typically between 10:00am and 1:30pm. Volunteers help to prepare samples, distribute them to students, and generate excitement for the dish that students are sampling. Please email Farm2School@mpls.k12.mn.us if you would like to learn more and/or sign up to be a taste test volunteer. 

Resources - coming soon for our spring taste test! 

Recipe Try making our taste test items at home! 
Poster You might see these hanging up at taste test schools! 
Outreach Language Copy and paste a sample newsletter blurb, PA announcement, and more! 
Student Engagement Strategies Ideas for how to engage with students during the taste taste 
Everything You Need to Know  A cheat-sheet for schools and volunteers about the taste test 

Previous Taste Tests 

With support from The Wedge and Linden Hills Co-op, MPS Culinary & Wellness Services began our True Food Taste Tests in 2013. Since then, we have taste tested a variety of recipes featuring local ingredients, Farm to School produce, and unique textures and flavors! Previous taste tests for the 2019-2020 school featured:

Curious to see what other recipes we've taste tested in the past? Check out our full recipe archive HERE. 

Taste Test Testimonials

“I love that it introduces real foods to the kids-it's a fun way to engage with the kids about healthy eating and creative thinking."
 
"I appreciate the opportunity for kids to try things they may not have a chance to at home. One of the students tried it, and told me he was thinking of going to a culinary school to be a chef, so he wants to try all different foods."
 
"It was a fun, simple way to introduce new flavors to the kids, and it was very low-stakes, so the kids felt comfortable accepting or declining the new food item."
 

 
More Information
Spring 2020 Taste Test Schedule

Schools are still in the process of selecting their taste test day. Check back soon for more updated information! 

Wednesday, April 15
Field, Howe, Jefferson, Justice Page, Northgate Cafe, Whittier

Thursday, April 16
Anthony, Emerson, Hmong Academy, Loring, Northeast, Sanford

Friday, April 17
Anwatin, Armatage, Bryn Mawr, Cityview, Franklin, Hale, Hiawatha, Lake Harriet Upper, Lyndale, Northrop, Pratt, Webster
2019-2020 Taste Test Schools

Andersen, Anthony, Anwatin, Armarage, Bancroft, Cityview, Dowling, Emerson, Field, Franklin, Green Central, Hale, Hall, Hiawatha, Hmong International, Howe, Jefferson, Jenny Lind, Keewaydin, Kenwood, Lake Harriet Lower, Lake Harriet Upper, Loring, Lucy Laney, Lyndale, Marcy Open, Metro St Joe's, Nellie Stone Johnson, Northeast, Northrop, Olson, Pillsbury, Pratt, Riverbend, Sanford, Seward, Sheridan, Webster, Wenonah, Waite Park, Whittier, Windom

Taste tests are open to all interested MPS elementary and middle schools. Interested in bringing the taste test to your school? Email Kate.Seybold@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Sponsored by
Wedge & Linden Hills Co-op