Our nutrition team including professional chefs, registered dietitians, and experienced foodservice managers work in synergy to develop healthy, balanced meals that are created fresh with quality ingredients that students enjoy. Our registered dietitians utilize strategies supported by sound nutrition science as the framework for menu planning. Arbor chefs put a creative, healthy spin on scratch recipes. Our goal is to replace processed foods with whole foods and fresh ingredients.

Arbor provides an environment for students to learn how to create healthy meals from a wide variety of options.

Our chef created, dietitian approved meals provide a guide modeling the most current nutrition guidelines.

Dietitian led nutrition education programs allow for unique, interactive student engagement such as "Dietitians Test Kitchens", "Ask the Dietitian" lunch booths, classroom presentations, and wellness fair activities. Nutrition education is reinforced with vivid displays, nutrition & wellness flyers, activity sheets, fruit and veggie of the month, and monthly nutritional newsletters. Our Corporate Dietitian is available to answer questions via the Arbor website "Ask a Dietitian" link. We make it easy for students and parents to be confident about their health and wellness knowledge.

Students are encouraged to explore new foods with tastings and display cooking to spark student taste buds and curiosity with healthy options. Rotating fresh garden bars introduce students to a wide assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables while encouraging them to experiment with different combinations. Arbor's nutrition team allows students to personalize and create their own balanced meals through "Build Your Own" food bars and featured recipes. Creative dishes inspire students to expand their palates.

• Aid in the fight against childhood obesity by serving wholesome meals that provide fuel and nutrients for a healthy body weight.

• Maximize the use of fresh fruits and vegetables purchased locally as seasonally available.

• Serve a wide assortment of fresh, nutrient rich foods every day and encourage the consumption of wholesome, balanced meals.

• Provide a variety of protein options including lean meat, poultry, legumes, tofu, hummus, yogurt, and quinoa.

• Serve products with a minimum number of ingredients and avoid added sugars, artificial ingredients, and preservatives.

• Use cage free poultry with no added hormones or steroids.

• Purchase fresh eggs from a local farm that has been awarded for innovative conservation and ships eggs within twenty four hours of being laid.

• Serve local skim and low-fat milk that is free from artificial growth hormones and is produced at sustainable farms.

• Eliminate all trans-fats.

• Utilize healthy cooking techniques including baking, grilling, and steaming.

• Conduct surveys, taste tests, and food advisory committees to collaborate and brainstorm new ideas with students, parents, and staff.

• Provide education and information regarding allergen safety, label reading, and age appropriate portions sizes.

• Offer fresh, whole and multi-grain breads to increase vitamin and fiber intake.

• Promote environmental responsibility and sustainability.