The 19th Annual Nutrition & Product Expo, hosted by Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Choice Partners (CP) cooperative, transformed the Humble Civic Center into a circus-themed hub of excitement and innovation on October 10th. Culinary artistry met circus fun as over 140 vendors showcased their latest products, sparking the interest of school nutrition leaders, students, and district representatives.

 

The atmosphere was electric, with stilt-walking jugglers, balloon artists, and booths decorated with acrobats, ringmasters, and clowns, creating an immersive carnival experience. Vendors like Mission Restaurant Supply and 4Imprint*were among the crowd-pleasers, engaging attendees with a smorgasbord of culinary treats. The event provided an invaluable platform for these companies, allowing them to connect directly with districts and potentially secure major food contracts.

Students from districts like Brenham, Conroe, and Galena Park ISDs were key participants, tasting everything from personal pan pizzas and breakfast sandwiches to smoothies and international cuisine. "It’s great seeing kids run around and try different things, especially the high schoolers who are in culinary programs and actively networking," said Jeff Drury, Director of Choice Partners.

 

The students didn’t just enjoy the food—they became critics, providing feedback on taste, texture, and presentation. This information is crucial for nutrition directors who are tasked with selecting the healthiest, most appealing options for their school menus. Not only that, but it also plays a pivotal role for CP in planning future food contracts, ensuring top-quality service to millions of students across Texas.

Choice Partners’ cooperative has become a culinary giant, especially in the Harris County area, facilitating food purchases for school cafeterias that serve millions of lunches every year. This annual expo is more than just a showcase—it's an innovation hub where the future of school nutrition is shaped one meal at a time. 

 

This dynamic event exemplifies how fun and creativity can intersect with essential educational services, proving that when it comes to school nutrition, a little flair goes a long way. And as school districts look to improve the quality of their food offerings, the Nutrition & Product Expo remains the go-to place for inspiration and innovation. **SEO Keywords**: Harris County Department of Education, Choice Partners, 19th Annual Nutrition & Product Expo, school nutrition, culinary innovation, Humble Civic Center, Texas schools.

For more info, visit www.hcde-texas.org.