ATLANTA, Ga. (Jan. 23, 2025) - The National Peanut Board (NPB) has unveiled Power up with Peanuts: Making School Breakfast Epic, a comprehensive toolkit designed to help school nutrition professionals enhance their breakfast offerings and increase student participation. Packed with innovative ideas and practical tools, the resource demonstrates how peanuts can transform school breakfast programs.
“Peanuts are a versatile, nutritious and budget-friendly ingredient that can meet the diverse needs of school nutrition programs,” said Lauren Highfill Williams, director of communications at the National Peanut Board. “This toolkit provides everything schools need to create breakfasts that are more engaging, impactful and sustainable.”
Developed by registered dietitian nutritionist and food allergy management expert Tarrah Westercamp, MS, RD, SNS, the toolkit was piloted in multiple school districts and includes real-world feedback.
Toolkit Highlights Include:
- Turnkey Tools: Ready-to-use recipes, marketing materials and merchandising strategies to simplify implementation.
- Best Practices: Proven methods to boost breakfast participation and meet USDA standards.
- Stakeholder Buy-in: Guidance for engaging staff, students and parents.
- Recipe Index: Creative, student-approved recipes featuring peanuts.
- Marketing Support: Resources to effectively promote breakfast offerings.
- Allergen Management Support: Tools and tips for safely serving peanuts while addressing food allergy concerns.
Why Peanuts?
Peanuts deliver 7 grams of plant-based protein per ounce along with essential nutrients, making them a powerful addition to school menus. Beyond nutrition, peanuts support sustainability by conserving water, improving soil health and utilizing every part of the plant to reduce waste.
To support schools as they prepare for National School Breakfast Week, March 3-7, 2025, this free resource is now available for download at NationalPeanutBoard.org. School nutrition professionals can use the toolkit to simplify breakfast planning while elevating student satisfaction and engagement.
For more information on incorporating peanuts and peanut-based products into school menus, please visit PeanutsInSchools.org.
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About the National Peanut Board (NPB)
The National Peanut Board represents USA peanut farmers and their families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance production and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information about the Board, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.