MISSION, TEXAS (OCT. 17, 2025) – From smoky brisket to spicy mango habanero wings, Mission CISD cafeterias are dishing out flavors that are turning lunchtime into one of the best parts of the school day. The Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is serving up innovation this school year as the district’s Child Nutrition Program unveils ten new menu items designed to delight students’ taste buds while keeping nutrition a top priority.
The announcement comes just in time for National School Lunch Week, a nationwide celebration highlighting the importance of healthy school meals and the dedicated professionals who prepare them.
“We like to see what food places are becoming popular,” said Marcos Rodriguez, Director of Child Nutrition for Mission CISD. “We look at what kids are enjoying outside of school and think about how we can bring something similar to our menus in a healthier, more nutritious way.”
Throughout the year, the district’s Child Nutrition team meets with vendors and conducts taste tests to identify new menu options that balance flavor, nutrition, and student appeal. Among the most talked-about additions this year are the mango habanero wings, chicken drums, and brisket, each tailored to reflect both national trends and local Rio Grande Valley favorites.
“Everyone in the Rio Grande Valley loves barbecue, so we decided to add a brisket option to the menu, and the students really enjoy it,” Rodriguez said. “Knowing that it’s also a nutritious choice makes it even better for us.”
STUDENTS ARE LOVING IT
According to Rodriguez, the feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many asking for seconds, a sure sign that the new menu items are a hit.
“It’s great to see students enjoying their meals so much,” Rodriguez said with a smile. “While we have to follow state meal guidelines, knowing that they finish their plates and look forward to what’s next on the menu tells us we’re doing something right.”
Early participation numbers show that more students are choosing school meals this semester, mirroring a national trend. According to the School Nutrition Association, school meal programs serve an estimated 29.7 million students each school day across the country, with more than 20 million of those lunches provided free of charge.
A school performance review conducted by the Texas Legislative Budget Board shows that districts across the state serve more than 550 million lunches each year, making menu innovation both a large-scale operation and an important opportunity to positively impact student nutrition statewide.
A MISSION OF HEALTH AND LEARNING
Mission CISD’s Child Nutrition Program is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals committed to supporting student health, well-being, and readiness to learn.
By continuously introducing fresh, appealing options that meet state and federal guidelines, the district ensures every student has access to nutritious meals that fuel success in and out of the classroom.
For more information about the Mission CISD Child Nutrition Program, visit:
https://missioncisdchildnutrition.com/
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