Meal Ideas for Special Events

We’ve all had the typical pizza dinner at a school event, but why not try something new! Expose students and parents to new menu options with these ideas:

Taco Bar: Whole grain tortillas, grilled chicken or lean ground beef, black or pinto beans, cheese, lettuce and salsa to make delicious tacos. Serve with fruit, white milk and water.

Chili Supper: Use crock-pots to cook up some big batches of chili with a variety of beans. Add a tossed green salad and mixed fruit to round out the meal.

Sandwich Bar: Serve whole grain breads, lean meats, hummus and bean spreads, tomatoes, cheese, cucumbers, lettuce and other veggie toppers and allow guests to assemble their own sandwiches. Top it off with a fruit bowl and plain yogurt.

Pancake Supper:  Cook up some whole wheat pancakes topped with pureed fruit sauce. Finish the meal with white milk or water to drink.

Spaghetti Dinner: Top whole grain spaghetti with low sodium tomato sauce vegged out with peppers, mushrooms and onions. For protein add lean ground beef/chicken/turkey or capellini beans. Add veggies with a veggie tray or side salad and offer water or white milk to drink.

BBQ: Serve lean beef/chicken/veggie burgers on whole grain buns. Add fresh onions, tomatoes and lettuce as toppers. Serve with side green salad, oil and vinegar coleslaw and finish the meal with fresh summer fruits (like watermelon) for dessert.

Lighter Fare for Special Events

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits: Greek or traditional plain yogurt layered with fresh or frozen fruit and toasted oats/bran flake cereal

Snacks: Swap the chips, buttered popcorn and cupcakes for these options at your next event:

  • Fruit bowl
  • Veggie tray with dip
  • Plain popcorn
  • Salsa or Hummus with Pita
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Trail mix with whole grain cereals
  • Fruit smoothies
  • Applesauce cups
  • Canned fruit cups (packed in water)

Beverages: Make water the staple at your next event – to make it fun, add sparkling water or fresh fruit or vegetable slices to add some flavour. White milk is also a great option.