Bring Students Together with Festive Moves

It’s just about time to call one unpredictable year a wrap. As the bustling holiday season approaches, clear the air around the table for students to connect, recharge, and unwind. Here we’ve gathered a list of delicious menu ideas that strike the perfect balance between healthy and fun. So dig in and help all students embrace a sunny outlook and head into 2026 strong.

How Do You Find the Perfect Balance?

Certain nutrients such as protein and collagen have been getting a lot of airplay on social media and therefore in student eating and purchasing habits. 2026 is shaping up to be a year of balance – the mantra that every foodservice director knows well.

Embrace students’ growing desire for variety by highlighting the complementary nutritional components of meals. Mix up favorites with new ingredients, like sweet potato fries that pack in more Vitamin A and Calcium than white potatoes.

Focus on a Little Fun

Find unexpected and delightful ways to serve little treats with every meal. Even nutritionally balanced and savory foods can feel like a treat when they’re served with a little whimsy. K-12 and C&U menus that are ahead of the curve for 2026 are considering: 

• Wowing with Texture
  
• Making Comfort Foods Fresh
  
• Adding Interactive Elements
  
• Going Worry-Free with Allergy-Friendly Serving
  

Try this:

• Holiday bowls with turkey, greens, stuffing, and SunButter® dressing
  
• Baked brown-rice-veggie-balls with SunButter® dressing – add protein of choice
  
• Breakfast smoothies with yogurt, pumpkin, cinnamon, and SunButter®
  
• White chocolate chip cranberry SunButter® bars with SunButter® cup for dipping
  
• Sweet potato fries or mashed sweet potatoes with Chocolate SunButter® Swicy Sauce
  
• Dippable chicken, turkey, or beef skewers with SunButter–Kikkoman Hoisin Sauce
  
• Coconut SunButter® Bread Pudding with caramel sauce
  
• SunButter® Curry Turkey Meatballs on a skewer with gravy for dipping or atop mashed potatoes
  
• Roasted Broccoli SunButter® Coleslaw – a vibrant Turkey Day sidekick!
  
• Transform a favorite SunButter® & jelly sandwich into a heartwarming Toasty – spread SunButter® on thick bread that will char up with a buttery crunch and add jams, dips, pickles, and anything you might dream up!
  

For K-12 Leaders: Get Your Annual Planning Guide

Download our free guide to help you navigate the most pressing priorities in the year ahead. Your guide includes timely November moves, such as:

• Holiday menu planning tips
  
• Assessing budget vs. actual spending for the first quarter
  
• Conducting staff appreciation events before the holiday season
  
• Planning promotions around Healthy School Meals Awareness Month (January)
  
• Useful tools, like a press release template
  
• Print it out, hang it on the wall, and keep it handy!
  

Get Guide

Bring All Students Together with Allergy-Friendly Serving

When students are food allergic, they must avoid certain foods to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions. Food allergies are not the same as food sensitivities or dietary preferences.

Doing good with inclusive menus is a WIN-WIN – for food allergic students and the health of your dining program.

Product Pioneers: When We Say Free of the Top 9 Food Allergens, We Mean It

SunButter® created the first nut-free spread for schools in partnership with the USDA. We’re the original, and we’re super passionate about inspiring simple, inclusive menus that nourish all students.