Holiday Creativity in the Cafeteria

‘Tis the season for school nutrition professionals to show their creativity in the kitchen, with holiday meals and celebrations around the cafeteria.

Some highlights include reindeer made of carrots and celery in cafeterias in Jensen Beach, FL. The school nutrition team at the high school also created snowmen with hardboiled eggs for the chef salads.

No money in the budget for a tree? No worries! The staff at Lemons Mill Elementary School in Georgetown, KY, found a creative way to upcycle a pile of boxes that were waiting to be recycled. With a few lights and decorations added, the magic of the season was shining bright in the kitchen.

Wreaking festive havoc in cafeterias across the country, the elves’ antics have been bringing joy to students too. Pepper is the nutrition services elf from Fitchburg Public Schools, MA. He’s been seen playing pool with oranges, hanging from snowflakes and stirring up laughs in mixing bowls with whisks. Pepper’s adventures can be followed on Facebook and Instagram @fitchburgpublicschools

The magic of the season truly stems from the women and men who spend countless hours preparing and serving healthy school meals with care.

The school nutrition team at Midway Elementary, GA, had a visit with Santa. Mrs. Clause and the elves made the rounds too, stopping in Livingston Parish, LA. In Tennessee, the team with Knox Nutrition Services donned festive aprons and shirts to get into the spirit of the season.

“Pepper” the elf is from Fitchburg Public Schools (MA)
“Pepper” the elf is from Fitchburg Public Schools (MA)
“Pepper” the elf is from Fitchburg Public Schools (MA)
“Pepper” the elf is from Fitchburg Public Schools (MA)
Santa hats made from mixed fruit and jello at Jensen Beach High School (FL)
Festive jello cups and mixed fruit at Jensen Beach High School (FL)
“Pepper” the elf at Fitchburg Public Schools (MA)
The beginning of a Christmas tree in Georgetown, KY at Lemons Mill Elementary School.
The second step of creating a Christmas tree in Georgetown, KY at Lemons Mill Elementary School.
The finished Christmas tree made of boxes in Georgetown, KY at Lemons Mill Elementary School.
The finished Christmas tree made of boxes in Georgetown, KY at Lemons Mill Elementary School.
The serving line at the school nutrition team at Glenwood Elementary School in the Vestal Central School District (NY) is looking very festive.
Look who is on the “Nice” list, members of the school nutrition team at Midway Elementary in the Forsyth County Schools (GA).
Look who is on the “Nice” list, members of the school nutrition team at Midway Elementary in the Forsyth County Schools (GA).
Great holiday outfits from the Knox County School Nutrition Program in Tennessee.
Great holiday outfits from the Knox County School Nutrition Program in Tennessee.
Great holiday outfits from the Knox County School Nutrition Program in Tennessee.
Great holiday outfits from the Knox County School Nutrition Program in Tennessee.
This member of the school nutrition team with Kershaw County School District (GA) might just win the “Best Holiday Outfit” contest.
This is school nutrition team said they are “in vacation mode.”
Merry Christmas from some members of the school nutrition team with Kershaw County School District (GA).
Happy Holidays from the Holly Jolly Lunch Squad from Dodge City Schools in Kansas.
Santa visited the cafeteria on ugly shirt and ugly sweater day in South Carolina at Warrenville Elementary School.
What a great message on her shirt “We shine brighter together!”
Happy Holidays from the school nutrition team from Little Cypress Mauriceville CISD Orange, Texas.
Happy Holidays from the school nutrition team from Little Cypress Mauriceville CISD Orange, Texas.
Happy Holidays from the school nutrition team from Little Cypress Mauriceville CISD Orange, Texas.
Happy Holidays from the school nutrition team from Little Cypress Mauriceville CISD Orange, Texas.
Happy Holidays from the school nutrition team from Little Cypress Mauriceville CISD Orange, Texas.
Happy Holidays from the school nutrition team from Little Cypress Mauriceville CISD Orange, Texas.
“Pepper” the elf is from Massachusetts. You can follow his holiday antics @FitchburgPublicSchools.
“Pepper” the elf hanging from snowflakes in the kitchen of Fitchburg Public Schools (MA).