J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 6 POTATO GROWER Rachael Lynch, Global Marketing Manager, Potatoes USA It’s lunch time and students are eat- ing more fruits and vegetables with potatoes being more prevalent than ever. According to the FlavorTrak K- 12 Menu Trends Report of the top 100 school districts; potatoes make the grade at 97% prevalence at lunch. Although, the breakfast inci- dence rate increased from Spring 2015 to Fall 2016, from 17% up to 24%, we see additional opportuni- ties during this daypart. For this rea- son, Potatoes USA sponsored the School Nutrition Association’s National School Breakfast Week. This opportunity allowed the nationwide delivery of Potatoes USA marketing materials. These includ- ed a new breakfast brochure, new breakfast recipes, and a breakfast recipe contest. On a typical day in the 2015–2016 school year, the School Breakfast Program has reported participation by over 14.2 million students, which has increased by nearly half over the past 10 years. Breakfast is an oppor- tunity not to be missed. According to a student panel con- ducted by the School Nutrition Association of Connecticut, the top ten items students would like to see on their cafeteria menus included to serve more potatoes: “more roasted vegetables (including potatoes instead of fries)” and “real mashed potatoes”. This creates opportuni- ties for the future. With even more meal periods now being offered at schools, in addition to more after school meal programs, potatoes have a greater opportunity of being menued to meet the student’s wish- es. The FlavorTrak report indicated that category incidence for potatoes is consistently greater at high schools than elementary schools. With a majority of the additional meal periods and after school activ- ities at high school, we can leverage their already high incidence level of potatoes on their menus as a proven desirable menu item. Potatoes USA also plans on sharing ideas and engaging with the schools on a one- on-one level to then share their con- cepts with the nation. Another way to meet the students’ needs is through salad bars. Travel back to January 8, 2015 to the Potato Expo in Orlando, Florida. Potatoes USA President and CEO Blair Richardson announced the Salad Bar Challenge. A challenge to Mes sage Potatoes Continue To Raise The Bar At Schools Potatoes USA