Diboll ISD

Diboll ISD Child Nutrition Department Hosts Annual Summer Taste Test Event

DIBOLL, TX – June 30, 2025 – The Diboll ISD Child Nutrition Department recently welcomed students and families from across the district for its annual Summer Taste Test Event, an engaging and delicious way to help shape school menus for the upcoming year.

Led by Child Nutrition Supervisor Kerri Sanford, the event focused on new possible offerings for the 2025–2026 school year. Attendees sampled a variety of new menu items and provided valuable feedback, helping the department make informed, student-approved choices that align with updated nutritional guidelines.

“Our goal is to create menus that are both nutritious and enjoyable,” said Sanford. “This event gives students and parents a voice in what’s served and helps us stay in compliance with federal meal pattern requirements while minimizing food waste.”

This year’s taste testing emphasized components of the National School Breakfast Program, including whole grains, fruits, and low-fat or fat-free milk. Attendees also learned about upcoming regulatory changes—such as added sugar limits for milk, cereal, and yogurt, and new restrictions on certain food additives like Red 40 and titanium dioxide—ensuring families are informed about what’s going into their children's meals.

Students and parents sampled a lineup of potential new items and rated them based on taste, appearance, and whether they’d like to see them served during the school year.

The event also highlighted MealViewer, the district’s online interactive menu tool that provides nutritional information, allergen details, and meal photos—many of which are taken in-house to offer a realistic preview of what students can expect.

From educating the community on nutrition standards to collecting feedback that will directly impact meal planning, the Summer Taste Test Event showcased the district’s commitment to transparency, student involvement, and continuous improvement in child nutrition.