Smarter Scratch: Meeting Prep and Nutrition Needs with Speed-Scratch
School foodservice professionals would agree that scratch cooking is ideal for providing nutrition, customizability and transparency. But labor and equipment limitations make full scratch prep tricky.
The 2024 USDA updates for nutrition standards recommend more nutrient-dense foods in students’ meals, limiting operators’ options for fast prep. To be compliant, stay within budget and appease students, K-12 food programs are turning to speed-scratch, a hybrid approach that saves time without sacrificing quality.
What Is Speed-Scratch?
Meals that combine pre-prepared ingredients with some housemade foods like sauces are described as “speed-scratch.” With 90% of nutrition directors reporting staffing gaps, ease and speed are essential for menu creation. Combining these two types of ingredients in student meals is a best-of-both-worlds strategy for operators who want to make meals that feel housemade while expediting prep.
Why Turn to Turkey?
A lean, nutrient-dense protein, turkey adapts easily to scratch-style meals, with many types of products supporting speed-scratch builds. Expedite breakfast prep with Breakfast Turkey Sausage Patties and Turkey Bacon, and create fast lunch options with Turkey Tenderloin Medallions, Ground Turkey Taco Filling and more. Heat-and-serve formats save time while allowing for flavor customization, giving operators creative freedom and a delicious way to fit the new standards without compromising taste or menu appeal.
School food program operators need to stay flexible to meet nutrition guidelines while serving items students love. Turkey is the perfect protein foundation for a wide variety of dishes, offering a nutritious, cost-effective and customizable way to cover all the bases. When used cleverly, turkey products can help support student participation, reduce waste and help kitchens deliver on both flavor and compliance. With the right ingredients and planning, schools can create meals that taste scratch-made–without starting from scratch. How would you use turkey in speed-scratch recipes? Share your ideas on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.
Sources:
https://healthyschoolrecipes.com/2024-school-nutrition-standards-how-scratch-cooking-can-help/
https://blog.hobartcorp.com/blog/combating-labor-shortages-in-k-12-food-service
