Menu Cycles

Menu cycles typically consist of six-week lunch and one- and two-week breakfast cycles, depending on the age group. By using menu cycles, meals can rotate on a recurring basis, with more popular items at higher circulation, and allow for structured planning and procurement.

We’ve partnered with Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) to produce sample menu cycles. In the reference files below, you can download information including: USDA certification worksheets for each week, nutrient analysis by day, and cycle and example costing information.

Breakfast

At BVSD, breakfast is usually offered as a regular two-week cafeteria service model for K-5, and one-week cycles for K-8, 6-8, and 9-12 age groups as well as a two-week classroom model for K-5. The breakfast menus are based on ready-to-eat foods, some of which BVSD has worked closely with local companies to develop, such as burritos, muffins, and bagels. At BVSD, this type of breakfast menu is most compatible with their demographic and labor model.

We have a handful of scratch-cooked breakfast items in the Recipes database that can be easily incorporated into menu cycles.

Lunch

Lunch, like breakfast, is offered for all age groups. The cycles are six-week cycles and are based on BVSD’s current menu cycles, with the exception of some custom prepared foods that are not available nationwide.