🌱 From Microgreens to Middle School Magic: How Small Changes Create Big Wins in School Lunches

When passion meets purpose in school nutrition, incredible things happen.

In a recent episode of the NutriSmart SNAX Podcast, we sat down with two inspiring changemakers - Jess Stone, a school nutrition rockstar, and Betsy Meehan, co-founder of High Desert Greens - to talk about innovation, student engagement, and how even the smallest ideas can transform a cafeteria.

And spoiler alert: it doesn’t take a massive overhaul to make a big impact.

💡 Innovation Starts with a Simple Idea - Microgreens in School Lunches

Betsy’s journey into microgreens started with something relatable - frustration.

During COVID, fresh, high-quality greens were hard to find. So instead of settling, she and her husband started growing their own.

What began as one tray of microgreens quickly turned into a thriving business -and a mission:

👉 Get fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens into schools lunches and into the hands of kids.

Microgreens may be small, but they pack a punch:

• Intense flavor

• High nutrient density

• Fast growth (7–10 days!)

• Visually appealing and fun to eat

Even better? They’re approachable for students.

“Tiny but mighty greens… and they’re delicious.”

🍎 Meet Jess Stone: The Queen of Cafeteria Creativity

If there’s one takeaway from Jess, it’s this:

👉 “I can theme that.”

From Apple Crunch Day to global cuisine weeks, Jess turns everyday meals into experiences. And it works.

Her strategy isn’t complicated it’s intentional:

• Rename menu items to spark curiosity

• Create themed days that connect to learning

• Get staff involved and excited

• Make the cafeteria an extension of the classroom

And most importantly…

“It doesn’t feel like extra work. It feels like fun and love and gratitude.”

🧠 The Secret Sauce: Let Kids Try (Without Pressure)

One of the most powerful ideas discussed?

👉 Sampling without commitment

Kids are far more willing to try something new when:

• It’s a small portion

• There’s no risk of “wasting their lunch”

• They have choices

  
  

This aligns perfectly with Smarter Lunchroom strategies:

• Offer variety

• Let students build their tray

• Encourage exploration

Jess sees it every day - even middle schoolers (the toughest critics!) will try something new when it’s presented the right way.

🌿 “Grow It, Know It” - Why Hands-On Changes Everything

Betsy shared a vision that could be a game-changer for schools:

👉 Bring microgreen growing into the cafeteria.

Imagine this:

• Students plant seeds

• Watch them grow in real time

• Harvest in just over a week

• Eat what they helped grow

That connection changes everything.

When kids are part of the process, they’re more willing to try - and love - what’s on their plate.

🍜 Sneaking in Innovation (Without Overhauling the Menu)

Feeling overwhelmed by “trying something new”?

Jess keeps it simple:

👉 Use bar concepts to introduce new foods.

Examples:

• Add microgreens to a ramen or salad bar

• Offer cabbage noodles alongside traditional options

• Feature fruits like dragon fruit or star fruit as samples

  
  

If it works - great. If not - pivot and try again.

“Be versatile. Try it… and then try it again.”

📱 Show Your Story (Because It Matters)

Jess also highlighted a powerful (and often overlooked) tool:

👉 Social media

Through Instagram reels, she showcases:

• The food

• The process

• The care behind the scenes

This does two things:

1. Builds community trust

2. Elevates the perception of school nutrition programs

Her goal?

“I want everyone to see how much we really care about these kids.”

🍽️ What Kids Remember Matters

At the end of the day, this work goes beyond meals.

It’s about memories.

Jess said it best - she hopes just one student remembers her lunches.

And they will.

Because when you combine:

• Creativity

• Care

• Innovation

• Student voice

You’re not just serving food…

👉 You’re creating experiences that stick.

🚀 Key Takeaways You Can Start Tomorrow

If you’re looking to elevate your program, start here:

✅ Add one small “new” item as a sample

✅ Rename a menu item to make it fun

✅ Try a themed day (even a simple one)

✅ Use a bar concept to introduce variety

✅ Share your story on social media

✅ Explore grow-it programs like microgreens

🌟 Final Thought

Innovation in school nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sometimes, it starts with:

• One tray of microgreens

• One themed lunch

• One student saying, “Hey… I actually like this.”

And from there?

Everything grows.

To hear the full conversation with Jess and Betsy and explore more insights like these, tune into the latest episode by searching for NutriSmart SNAX podcast your favorite podcast platform or watch the Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/mwRSxorFDpg