--- title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections | Menu Planning description: Menu Planning | --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) # ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders ## [\[New Designs\] Free School Menu Templates For The 2026-27 School Year!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/free-school-menu-templates) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Content_Offers/school%20menu%20template%20preview.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/free-school-menu-templates) Our school menu templates are now available for the 2026-27 school year. This year, we have a brand new set of designs, as well as an ADA-friendly format option. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/free-school-menu-templates) ## [The 4 Biggest Challenges Facing School Dietitians and How To Overcome Them](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-biggest-challenges-facing-school-dietitians-and-how-to-overcome-them-1) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/dietitian%20header-2.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-biggest-challenges-facing-school-dietitians-and-how-to-overcome-them-1) As schools aim to provide a healthy and balanced diet for their students, dietitians play a crucial role in ensuring the school lunch program runs smoothly while keeping up with the changing trends and regulations. With so many students to manage, there are a number of common challenges that may be faced along the way. We spoke with a dietitian to learn about some of the biggest challenges and a few ideas to help you overcome them.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-biggest-challenges-facing-school-dietitians-and-how-to-overcome-them-1) ## [A perfect pairing: Springfield Public School’s journey with MCS](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Springfield_Blog_Header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs) In the world of school nutrition, efficiency and accuracy are crucial. For Springfield Public Schools in Massachusetts, delivering nutritious meals to over 28,000 students across 66 public schools and 12 charter/parochial schools is no small feat. We recently had the opportunity to visit Springfield Public Schools, where we saw firsthand how they utilize MCS to manage their operations from Back of House to Front of House.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs) ## [3 Ways to Add More Vegetarian Options to Your School Menus](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-ways-to-add-more-vegetarian-options-to-your-school-menus) By [Nate Winans](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/nate-winans) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Vegetarian%20Meals.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-ways-to-add-more-vegetarian-options-to-your-school-menus) In the [2018 School Nutrition Operations Report](https://my.schoolnutrition.org/productcatalog/product.aspx?ID=12140), 56.5% of districts surveyed offered or planned to serve vegetarian meal options. For many districts, this might include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or meatless pizza. While this may be simple and familiar, there is an opportunity to incorporate more vegetarian meals that meet student's ever-changing taste preferences and provide a wider variety of nutritional value. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-ways-to-add-more-vegetarian-options-to-your-school-menus) ## [Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day In Your Schools](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/fun-ways-to-celebrate-valentines-day-in-your-schools) By [Morgan Billings](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/morgan-billings) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/blog-valentines.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/fun-ways-to-celebrate-valentines-day-in-your-schools) Being a part of your students' daily lives - whether in the lunchroom or in the classroom - creates a special and unique bond. What better day to celebrate the friendship and care you provide them than on Valentine's Day? Below are a few simple ways to get students engaged and show them you love them: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/fun-ways-to-celebrate-valentines-day-in-your-schools) ## [How to Plan the Perfect Thanksgiving Feast](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-plan-the-perfect-thanksgiving-feast) By [Morgan Billings](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/morgan-billings) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/November_2017/school-lunch-program-tips-for-thanksgiving.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-plan-the-perfect-thanksgiving-feast) Thanksgiving is around the corner and we know that you are always looking for fun and creative ways to celebrate in your schools! What better of a way to celebrate than by serving a Thanksgiving themed meal to your students. **Here's some ideas to help you get ready!** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-plan-the-perfect-thanksgiving-feast) ## [How to Spice Up Your School Menu Calendars in 7 Steps](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) By [Claire Turner](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/claire-turner) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/meni-calendars.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) Menu calendars are a staple to any school nutrition program. Whether they're available in print or online, parents at your school district check them regularly. The design of your menu calendars give you the opportunity to portray your program's personality while offering important information in a clear and concise way. **Here are 7 steps to help spice up the look and feel of your school menu calendars:** --- [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-to-spice-up-your-school-menu-calendars) ## [A Brief History of School Lunch in America \[Infographic\]](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-brief-history-of-school-lunch-in-america-infographic) By [Aaron Thein](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/aaron-thein) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/Jan_2017/history-of-school-lunch.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-brief-history-of-school-lunch-in-america-infographic) The history of school lunch programs in America is anything but brief.  The [Children's Aid Society](http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/about/history/history-firsts) began feeding hungry, needy school children in New York City as far back as 1853.  But it wasn't until the late 19th century that some major US cities, including Philadelphia and Boston, started their own school lunch programs.  Over the next century, authors, war, and politics continued to shape the school lunch program into what we know it as today. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-brief-history-of-school-lunch-in-america-infographic) ## [13 Healthy School Cafeteria Recipe Cookbooks That Rock!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/13-healthy-school-cafeteria-recipe-cookbooks-that-rock) By [Aaron Thein](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/aaron-thein) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/September_2016/13-healthy-school-cafeteria-recipe-cookbooks.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/13-healthy-school-cafeteria-recipe-cookbooks-that-rock) Coming up with new, healthy recipes for school cafeterias can be challenging to say the least.  Fortunately, many states and organizations across the country have developed cookbooks full of nutritious recipes school kids will love. **Here are 13 of our favorite school cookbooks that feature plenty of locally sourced ingredients and flavors from around the globe:** [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/13-healthy-school-cafeteria-recipe-cookbooks-that-rock) ## [4 Simple Tips For Protecting Your Nutrition Program Data](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/4-simple-tips-for-protecting-your-nutrition-program-data) By [Aaron Thein](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/aaron-thein) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog/March_2016/4-simple-tips-for-protecting-your-nutrition-program-data.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/4-simple-tips-for-protecting-your-nutrition-program-data) For many people (including myself), talking about data protection can be a boring topic.  Like buying insurance for your car or house, we don't want to think about the consequences of not having it until something goes wrong.  Well, the same logic applies to your program data.  Whether your district uses a Point of Sale (POS), Menu Planning or Inventory solution, making sure your data stays safe is paramount. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/4-simple-tips-for-protecting-your-nutrition-program-data) [**Next >**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/menu-planning/page/2) ### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter [![free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png?width=375&height=416&name=free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png)](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)   ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [School Lunch (42)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-lunch) - [School Payments (33)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-payments) - [MySchoolBucks (31)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/myschoolbucks) - [Point of Sale software (21)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/point-of-sale-software) - [Conferences (19)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/conferences) - 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[Online Applications](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/online-applications) - [Menu Planning](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/menu-planning) - [Meal Orders](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/meal-orders) - [Ordering Inventory](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/ordering-inventory) - [Digital Menus](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/mealviewer) ### Payment Solutions - [School Store](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-store) - [Student Invoicing](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/student-invoicing) - [School Program Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-activities) - [Tickets & Event Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/ticketing) - [School Funds Accounting](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-funds-accounting) - 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