What should not be overlooked in routine menu planning?

In routine menu planning, nutritional balance and variety are crucial components that should not be overlooked. Ensuring that meals provide adequate nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of those being served, particularly in a military context where physical performance and health are of paramount importance. A menu that lacks nutritional balance may lead to deficiencies or imbalances that can affect energy levels, recovery, and overall health. Additionally, a variety of foods in the menu helps not only in providing different vitamins and minerals but also keeps meals interesting and appealing to those consuming them.

While factors like cost, preparation time, and seasonal availability are also significant in menu planning, they do not directly impact the health benefits of the meal. By prioritizing nutritional balance and variety, food service planners can ensure that they are meeting dietary needs while also promoting a positive eating experience for individuals. Therefore, overlooking this aspect could have serious implications for the overall effectiveness of the Army Food Service Program.