After you create the menu cycle, you can begin building the daily menus consisting of different entrees, sides, and items you serve every day, regardless of the menu.
Note: Any 400000 and 900000 CN Code numbers (for example, 400001 or 900038) on a menu, item, or recipe are local items and are not associated with the USDA CN Database.
1. In the Menu Overview section, click the Week hyperlink or a day of the week in the cycle.
2. Verify the menu cycle information, then select a day within your cycle.
Add an Entrée
1. In the Entrees section, click the + sign to add entrees to the day. The Add New screen appears. Use the search field to locate items by ID, description, or CN properties.
2. Select the entree to add and enter information in the following fields:
•Proportion*: Enter how many out of 100 students you think will choose this item.
•Portion*: Enter the portion.
•Measure*: Select the measure from the drop-down list.
3. If your entree should always be paired with a side (for example, Vegetable Soup and Crackers), add a paired side. Click + Add a Paired Side in the lower-left corner of the screen and search for the item. The paired side will use the same proportion as set on the entree. Enter the portion and select the measure from the drop-down list.
4. Click Save and Add Another or Save & Close.
5. In the Entrees section, for each entrée, click Add in the Total Meal Pattern column to enter the meal pattern contributions in the Total Meal Pattern pane that appears on the right side of the screen.
As you enter your meal pattern contributions, the Weekly Compliance will update and calculate with each entry.
6. Click Save.
Add a Side
1. In the Sides section, click the + sign to add side options to the day. The Add New screen appears. Use the search field to locate items by ID, description, or CN properties.
2. Select the side to add and enter information in the following fields:
•Proportion*: Enter how many out of 100 students you think will choose this item.
•Portion*: Enter the portion.
•Measure*: Select the measure from the drop-down list.
3. Click Save and Add Another or Save & Close.
Add Daily Items
You can add items that you serve every day, regardless of the menu. Daily items are added at the Menu Cycle level. Examples of daily items are milk and side salad.
1. In the Daily Items section at the Menu Cycle level, click the + icon to add the item to the cycle. Use the search field to locate items by ID, description, or CN properties.
2. Select the item to add and enter information in the following fields:
•Proportion*: Enter how many out of 100 students you think will choose this item.
•Portion*: Enter the portion.
•Measure*: Select the measure from the drop-down list.
3. Click Save and Add Another or Save & Close.
Note: Any items you list under this section will automatically be added to every menu, saving time during data entry.