Whether you're a devoted fan of The Bear or not, as child nutrition leaders we often look to fast casual or “food away from home” trends to spark new ideas in our school cafeterias. But just like behind the scenes of The Bear, it’s not all roses and sunshine behind those back-of-house doors.

Get ready to “Taste the World” during National School Lunch Week 2025! From October 13–17, schools can turn their cafeterias into global gateways—complete with student passports, international menus, and cultural celebrations. This fun, educational week helps students explore new cuisines, embrace diversity, and discover how school meals bring the world to their plates.

At Pisanick Partners’ Nutritious Smart Snacks podcast, we’re all about connecting passion with purpose - and this episode is a shining example. Host Maureen Pisanick sat down with two inspiring women - Terry Thomsen from The Pizza Bagel Lady Company and Megan McDonald from DoughGo’s - to talk about how their locally made products are transforming school menus and inspiring healthier eating habits for students. From Retail to Purpose-Driven School Nutrition Terry’s journey