Whitsons Culinary Group, a provider of food services to private and public schools, corporate dining, healthcare, throughout the Northeast, today announced a renewed commitment to providing wholesome and nutritionally balanced meals with all-natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients to all school districts that they serve.
“Whitsons already has a proven record of offering wholesome foods that taste great and that students enjoy,” said Douglas Whitcomb, Chief Product Officer for Whitsons Culinary Group. Current menus feature items made from ingredients and recipes that reflect the needs of local customers, regional taste preferences, fresh food seasonality and the latest culinary trends. “But today, we’re taking our food philosophy to a new level.” continued Whitcomb.
For the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year and looking ahead, Whitsons will be even more focused on using ingredients that are locally sourced, all-natural, organic or non-GMO whenever available and will expand its focus on serving minimally processed foods. In addition to using more organic, all-natural and non-GMO ingredients, Whitsons expanded food philosophy continues to included:
- Ingredients with zero trans-fats, unless they are naturally occurring
- Milk that is rBGH free, fat-free or 1%, and does not contain high fructose corn syrup
- Chickens that are raised without the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics
- Chicken and pork products that are hormone free
- Fresh fruits and vegetables every day
- Entrees that are made with lean meats, low-fat cheeses and whole grain products
- Meals that are free from MSG, partially hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, flavors and/or preservatives and high fructose corn syrup
- Dolphin safe tuna
- Cage-free shelled eggs (or pasture-raised when possible)
- Yogurt that is 100% all-natural or organic
- Hummus that is organic and tahini-free
- A variety of balanced choices to satisfy the needs of customers
- Local products that are purchased to support family farms and local economies
Some new items that will appear on school menus include: organic veggie burgers, whole grain pasta with organic tomato sauce, organic meats such as turkey and sausages, organic applesauce and a variety of fresh fruit side dishes. To help students start the day with the nutrition they need, breakfast items like all-natural yogurt, multi-grain cereals and fresh fruit will also be served.
“Studies have long shown that children who eat healthy, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the day and earn better grades than those who don’t,” said Whitcomb, “Providing young students with wholesome meals that taste great, along with food and nutrition education, helps position them for academic success and helps them live a more healthful life.”
About Whitsons Culinary Group
Whitsons Culinary Group provides a wide range of highly customized dining services to public schools, with a strong focus on nutritious, high quality meals made from wholesome, fresh ingredients. Whitsons has a long and proud history of excellence and growth since 1979 and is setting new standards for the foodservice industry with wholesome foods and family values.
For more information, please visit www.whitsons.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
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