Taste tests are an exciting opportunity for students to try new foods and share their opinions. In this way, student voice and choice are strongly represented in taste test results, which have proven to be an authentic tool for developing new menu items for school nutrition programs that students will enjoy.
If you are interested in hosting a taste test with students, a great place to start is by reviewing the Taste Test Guide handout, which walks schools through planning considerations and tips for success. Additionally, Shannon Newerth-Henson, State Local Procurement Manager at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture facilitated a conversation with Stephanie Bolin, a FoodCorps Arkansas Service Member. View the webinar recording below to hear Stephanie share her experience hosting taste tests at two schools and how students have been positively impacted by them!