Page 30 - gfs0318_Magazine

FOOD FOCUS: PIZZA

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PHOTO CAPTIONS AND CREDITS
Soldiers and all service members spend lines. “As with almost all food items,
(top-left): Spc. David Schmauzer, a
time outside the gate and on assignment 3 munitions abatement specialist with the there is a cycle to what is ‘hot’ on the
to other military bases, which introduces 802nd Ordnance Company, 401st Army Field vendor show list. Pizza gets some at-
them to new cuisines. “Absolutely – and Support Battalion-Afghanistan, 1st Armored tention throughout the year, but most
it is fun to explore them if you are travel- Division Resolute Support Sustainment Bri- recent assessments have been focused on
gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi-
ing,” Staples said. “As the Army diner has tionary) receives a slice of pizza on Bagram Air improving the crust, nutrition, cheese
traveled, has ethnicity, and has a highly Field, Afghanistan. The pizzas were provided variations and the holding quality and
diverse exposed to world taste. The old by Pizzas 4 Patriots. (Photo by Sgt. Adam acceptability of the product.”
Hinman, USA, 1st Armored Division Resolute
favorite of pepperoni still leads the way, Support Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment The military prefers that the pizza
with Mediterranean toppings as the new Command (Expeditionary) served to service members be fresh-made
rising trend according to the industry.” (top-right): Pfc. Zachariah Robertson, an from scratch, but frozen is commonly
At each base, food service program 4 information technology specialist with used as well. “Frozen and fresh and quick-
managers and dining facility directors the 580th Signal Company, 25th Signal Bat- prep options are found in the various
make decisions about menu additions talion, 160th Signal Brigade, receives a slice locations,” he said. “All options are avail-
of pizza on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
and revisions based on responses col- The pizzas were provided by Pizzas 4 Patriots. able as applicable to local operations;
lected from service members during menu (Photo by Sgt. Adam Hinman, USA) 1st Armored however, we do support that fresh is best.
boards. The entire process for creating Division Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade, Because DFACs serve it as a menu item
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).
the daily menu involves more thorough instead of to order, the application of
decision-making that balances service labor is a consideration to fresh versus
member preferences with the military’s pre-prepared.”
standard menu. Where and how frequently pizza is featured in din-
“Type is a menu board process while standards for menu ing facilities is another example of its popularity and the
is a policy position,” Staples explained. “Menu boards, many varieties available. For now, he said, it is mostly a
cuttings and the level of installation oversight on creative short-order item, but is also occasionally a serving line
dining facility menu ventures all influence what is offered option, too. Decisions about the Army menu in the future
where. As there is greater movement to quality-controlled may have more to say about how pizza will be available.
dining experiences, there tends to be more centrally ar- As long as pizza and its many varieties are available
bitrated selections.” in military dining facilities, service members need to fol-
low the traffic light color code nutrition guidelines. “For
VARIATIONS Army permanent-party dining facilities, pizza-equivalents
Pizza has grown from its origins in Italy and ranks as a (pizza pie with deep dish, regular, thin or flatbread crusts,
popular mainstream American meal option. Its popular- Stromboli, calzone, to name a few) may be found on either
ity has led to some innovation from the original recipe, of the locations depending on the facility,” Staples said.
including barbecue, Buffalo chicken and others. “Pizza “With variations on toppings, it may be part of the daily
is primarily a fun food, and even the improved versions menu or it may be highlighted as a weekly option. It is
should simply be an occasional selection,” Staples said, a common option in one form or the other, so informed
referring to the military’s Go for Green nutritional guide- diners must make appropriate choices across the week.”
—GFS

30 GOVERNMENT FOOD SERVICE • MARCH 2018