NRA, McCormick Aim to Strengthen Kids’ Menus

Cooking challenges may be all the rage on TV these days, but a panel of judges comprised of kids might just be more discerning and demanding than any celebrity chef. Children are notoriously finicky eaters, of course, especially when it comes to foods deemed good for them.

To share showcase and encourage recipes that kids will enjoy and eat, the National Restaurant Association and McCormick & Co. teamed up on a Kids Recipe Challenge. The challenge featured recipes from children’s menus at restaurants’ and foodservice establishments around the country that meet the nutrition guidelines of the National Restaurant Association’s KidsLiveWell program. The meals were tested and judged by a panel that included industry professionals and at least 30 kids.

The results showed that kids have distinct tastes, but those tastes are anything but plain. Among the winners: Qdoba Mexican Grill’s Lil’ Pulled Pork Naked Burrito, Boston Lobster Feast’s Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash, Chartwells School Dining Services Chix-N-Cheddar Snappy Jalapeño Wrap and Tim Horton Children's Foundation's Yum! Yum! Chip Chicken. The contest was part of a foodservice business unit of McCormick for Chefs, through an initiative to combine taste and nutrition for healthier menu options for kids.

The winners will be recognized at the National Association’s Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, May 18-21 at Chicago's McCormick Place.