These days, an overwhelming number of children rely on schools for both breakfast and lunch during the school week. This means it is very important for schools to provide nutritious options without breaking the bank. Wondering where to buy school cafeteria food and what to buy? Here are some popular options:
How to Choose a School Cafeteria Food Supplier
To find a place to purchase school cafeteria food, you can choose from national, statewide, or local outlets. Some schools decide to outsource the entire process (buying, cooking, serving, cleaning) to a company specializing in school catering.
Naturally, people have many opinions about the food served in school cafeterias. Purchase a small quantity of an item from a new supplier and do a taste test with your students and staff. There’s no point serving fish sticks and Brussels sprouts if no one is going to eat them.
If possible, choose a local supplier. This usually ensures the freshest produce and baked goods and helps the community become more interested in the school. Most states maintain a list of recommended or approved vendors, so check first to see which option is best for you.
We also encourage you to learn about school lunch programs, such as the National School Lunch Program. Most schools and many students qualify for subsidies or free meals, but they must meet certain nutritional requirements to receive the money.
Companies that provide complete meal or catering services to schools
These vendors can provide complete meals to students each day or even handle an entire school cafeteria program. This includes staffing, sourcing ingredients, and restaurant maintenance.
Aramark
This renowned school cafeteria supplier provides complete food services, including purchasing, marketing, staffing and maintenance. They ensure that school menus adhere to nutritional guidelines while providing fun foods that kids actually want to eat. Aramark also provides digital solutions to help schools and students get the healthy meals they need.
Chartwells
Currently serving more than 4,000 schools across the United States, Chartwells provides the complete cafeteria experience. We can help you design your menu, source the ingredients you need, and provide staff and training. Chartwells focuses on providing healthy and interesting food that children will enjoy eating. They can even guide schools to create cafeteria spaces that encourage good nutrition.
brother!
The food service company serves hundreds of schools in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Iowa. They make healthy versions of kids' favorite menu items like pizza, chicken, and waffles. Opaa is committed to providing good food choices for our adult employees as well and is happy to work with schools to provide nutrition education.
organic life
The full-service company says its goal is “to provide school meals with the courtesy and precision of a four-star restaurant.” They can help schools create branded food court-style cafeteria experiences to provide students with unique choices for healthy, nutritious meals.
Revolution Food
If you're looking for a variety of school lunch options, try Revolution Foods. You can offer individual meals, pre-packaged meals, or buffet-style meals. The company prioritizes fresh, healthy ingredients and takes pride in working closely with students and staff to provide meals and snacks to support people throughout the school day.
Sodexo
The company's school catering division strives to provide unique culinary experiences appropriate for age and location. We run a variety of food programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, all focusing on nutrition and balanced meals. They strive to source ingredients locally while providing a complete menu and experienced staff.
Whitson Culinary Group
If you want to help manage your school cafeteria but don't want to lose control of the menu and staffing, Whitsons may be a good solution. They serve schools in the Northeastern United States, and their goal is to work with schools to provide a customized experience for each school. It can help save money and improve nutritional quality in school cafeterias.
School cafeteria food supplier
Use the best suppliers when you need kitchenware, frozen foods and baked goods. We've included some of our favorite picks that we're sure your students will enjoy!
Baking Crafters
Baking Crafters
With over 30 years in the school food business, Bake Crafters focuses on providing smart, healthy snacks and baked goods. They've also teamed up with Sal's Pizza to offer delicious choices on Pizza Day.
Our Pick: Cinnamon Swirl
FoodServiceDirect.com
FoodServiceDirect.com
Go here when you need bulk cooking supplies or frozen foods. We have everything from flour and sugar to seasonings and drinks. You'll need to scrutinize nutritional information to find the healthiest options, but you'll find plenty of options here (including the classic “school pizza” that's been around for decades!).
In addition to providing a variety of ingredients and prepared foods, Gordon Food Service (GFS) also offers consulting services to help schools plan nutritious and interesting menus for their students. Their technology tools make it easier to get what you need when you need it.
Our Pick: PopCorners Variety Pack
Kookmin Food Group
Kookmin Food Group
This supplier offers a variety of discounts, including a section dedicated to K-12 school cafeterias. They emphasize healthier choices, like Zee Zee's individually packaged snacks. It can also help accommodate food allergies and special diets.
The company's wide range of products includes many bulk ingredients and frozen prepared foods. Get everything you need delivered straight to your school with our regular delivery schedule. This makes planning easy.
Our Pick: Battered Sweet Potato Waffle Fries
american food
american food
This national food distributor offers all the essentials you need, beverages, paper products, and more. Having a variety of choices means schools can provide students with a variety of healthy and delicious breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
Our Pick: Molly's Kitchen Vegetable Lasagna
Bonus Option: National Farm-to-School Network
This hub helps schools find local farms to supply fresh produce, meat, eggs and more. They also coordinate school education and gardening programs to help children develop a relationship with the food they eat. Although it does not sell cafeteria food directly, NFSN is a great resource for schools looking to make healthy menu choices.
we are teachers
Still wondering where you can buy school cafeteria food? Stop by the Principal Life group on Facebook to discuss with others.
Also check out the best playground equipment for schools (and where to buy it)!