Sushi Now Served In Cafeteria; Students Select New Menu Items

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Forget the Salisbury steak, overcooked peas and stale buns that were featured fare in school cafeterias a couple of generations ago.

Today's cafeteria is serving fresh, healthy options including the latest menu item in Hillsborough County Schools: sushi, which was introduced to students last week.

"The kids are just going crazy over it," said Frances Humphrey, student nutrition manager. "The first two days we sold 17 cases."

Students at dozens of schools across the district can now purchase fully cooked spicy crab and California rolls (eight rolls for $5) for lunch. Humphrey said they have been so popular the manufacturer hasn't been able to keep it in stock.

"Some of the kids have never tried sushi," Humphrey said. But, when they try it, they come back for more. "I haven't heard any negative comments at all.

Students soon will have some other new menu choices, thanks to the results of the annual School Lunch Experience.

See related story: Blech Or Yum: Hillsborough Students Rate New School Lunch Items

Last month, students got the chance to choose new meals for the school cafeteria when more than 200 students took part in a taste test over two days.

Students taste tested 17 menu options and rated them on a scale of Love It, Like It or Dislike It based on the item’s appearance, smell and taste.

The overall winner? The Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich.

Other favorites included Barbacoa Street Tacos and Bacon Burger Mac and Cheese.

The items will be gradually added to the menu over the next year. All the new dishes follow dietary guidelines and are designed to get students excited about eating a balanced lunch at school

Students said they enjoyed the chance to have a say on the new menu items.

“I think it's pretty amazing what's going on in this program," said eight-grader Gabrielle Foster. "It gives us the opportunity to see what they have and choose things students will actually eat instead of having a small variety of things.”

“I think it's really great," said eighth-grader Merritt Simmons. "We're identifying new cultures and inviting students to try them more.”

Hillsborough Schools serve lunch to more than 133,000 students every day.

Hillsborough County Schools

Students have a chance to vote on cafeteria menu items during the annual School Lunch Experience.