How School Food and Nutrition Programs Can Meet the Demands of Gen Z

When it comes to understanding Gen Z, no one is better equipped than educators and other school staff. These professionals have unique opportunities to observe students’ behavior patterns, see how they interact with others and learn how they build community.

 

One excellent place to learn more about today’s students is the school cafeteria. The cafeteria is often where students catch up with friends, make evening or weekend plans and compare class notes. It also provides an inside look at what types of cuisine Gen Z students prefer.

As Gen Z students begin to enter the teenage years, they tend to seek global flavors that are as diverse as they are. According to the Pew Research Center, this generation is the most racially and ethnically diverse ever, and their willingness to challenge the status quo is innate to the fabric of their identity.

Understanding that they play a much larger role in students’ lives than just providing food, Sodexo’s teams of culinarians, dietitians and operators work hard to create menus that are inclusive and educational. Focusing on age-appropriate dining solutions, Sodexo creates programs and offers that meet students where they are while also expanding their palates and introducing them to new flavors and cultures from around the world. Understanding that this generation is one of the most global-minded and internationally connected via social media, Sodexo approaches menu development with a high degree of sensitivity, paying homage to the bold flavors of the world, as well as local and regional favorites.

To ensure menus reflect the needs and interests of Gen Z, Sodexo surveyed students across the country to find out what foods they prefer and how they would design their ideal lunch experience. We consistently heard four words as part of this survey process: fun, fresh, friends and flavor.

Those insights inspired Sodexo to create Taste4.

Taste4, a food service concept tailored specifically towards high school students, puts on-demand access and convenience at the forefront of the dining experience. With a made-to-order deli, hot grill, custom pizza station, fresh salad bar, wraps station, grab-and-go options and so much more, Taste4 delivers fresh, ready-on-demand food.

Taste4 provides students a retail-like experience, helping prepare teenagers for college and adulthood. Converting cafeteria spaces to look and feel more like a food court reinforces the sense of choice.

Unique stations offer a range of global cuisine options, such as Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean and American regional classics. Students can enjoy an entirely different culinary experience each week, including promotional offerings and customized pop-up brands. Technology allows students to vote on their favorite pop-up brands and special dishes, which are later incorporated into menus that rotate weekly.

At Taste4, student demand continually drives menu development and refinement. That ability to customize is integral to this age group as more on-demand services are readily available throughout every facet of their personal lives; their school meal experiences should reflect the same. Whether they choose to order in line or online, creating a meal that is specifically tailored to their preferences has never been easier.

Sodexo’s USDA-compliant menus also recognize that today’s students have more sophisticated palates, and their need to be adventurous when it comes to cuisine is stronger than ever. Taste4 encourages that explorative spirit within teenagers while also educating them on the benefits of eating high-quality, healthy foods that support their physical and mental development. Sodexo strives to teach students the benefits of putting their health first and help them understand how their choices have tangible impacts on their development—in essence, setting them up for lifelong success.

Recently, Howell has added a lot of items to its menu to give every student a variety of choices. Lunches are now a lot more enjoyable with the added healthy wraps, taco bowls, BBQ, pasta, daily burger choices and even a make-your-own sandwich line. All the new foods give students healthy, yet still enjoyable and delicious lunches.
— Francis Howell High School Today Student Newspaper

 

At schools that have implemented Taste4, results have been nothing short of phenomenal. For example, in the Francis Howell School District, participation in school lunch grew by 7% among their three schools, which enroll nearly 17,000 students.

 

The kids have really enjoyed it so far. I’ve had students seek me out to tell me how much they like it already. The lines are moving faster than before. It’s been great!
— Dr. Nathan Hostetler, Francis Howell North High School Principal

Fun, fresh, friends, and flavor are core elements of Taste4. High school students are no longer bystanders when it comes to their health; they are active participants. Because of the internet and social media, this age group is more educated and informed than ever, and they have a strong desire to be mindful of what they’re consuming.

Taste4 is part of Sodexo’s age-appropriate approach to child nutrition and development.  In collaboration with a team of experts, our staff works behind the scenes to prepare students for a lifetime of success, and we believe encouraging them to be active in their food choices is one way of doing that. By educating them on the benefits of healthy eating and getting them to experience different types of food, we help them be more open and inclusive, which ultimately creates more positive atmospheres for learning.

To learn more about our approach to student development and how we help build stronger, healthier learning communities, visit us online or reach out to us directly.