Smart Choices Add-On Menu Boards: Turn Your Existing Menu-Board System Into a Tool for Guided Choices and Lower Operating Costs

From Self-Guided Selection to Guided Choices

Keep the boards you already own. Add a dedicated Smart Choices display at the front of the student serving line.

Today’s digital menu boards, dry-erase boards and other cafeteria displays tell students what is being served. Students review the menu and decide what to pick. This is self-guided selection.

Green Edge Systems introduces a guided approach that gives greater visibility to selections supporting the new USDA nutrition direction, helping students notice and choose whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nutritious protein options.

We call these Smart Choices.

A separate Smart Choices Add-On Board works alongside your existing displays. Your current boards continue showing the complete menu, while the Add-On Board highlights Smart Choices before students select their food. If a featured Smart Choice sells out, staff can quickly update the board to highlight another available item, keeping recommendations current throughout meal service.

Each school can tailor its Smart Choices Board to its own cafeteria, using school-specific information about item availability and actual student selections. This allows recommendations to reflect how items are being served and chosen at each school, rather than relying only on district-wide information.

Students retain the freedom to choose. Schools actively guide their attention toward Smart Choices.

Guided Choices Can Support Operating-Cost Savings

Restaurants have long used featured items and daily specials to guide customer demand. Schools can apply the same basic presentation method through dedicated Smart Choices signage.

More predictable demand can help cafeterias align preparation with student selections, reduce overproduction and discarded food, and organize production more efficiently.

This shift to guided selection can create opportunities for significant operating savings when food-service teams adjust production accordingly.

Quantify Savings and Fine-Tune Your Smart Choices

Our free Smart Choices Online Savings Calculator helps schools evaluate which items to identify as Smart Choices, taking costs and potential savings into consideration.

Use planned figures before service to explore the budget impact. Enter actual figures after service to evaluate results and refine future selections.

Use the Smart Choices Online Savings Calculator

Free to use. No registration or user identification required. We strongly recommend daily use.

Keep your existing menu boards.

Move from self-guided selection to guided choices.

Quantify the financial effect.

Work toward less waste and lower operating costs.

Green Edge Systems customizes Add-On Board headings, colors, layouts and branding to fit your cafeteria. Staff can update the display directly without additional software, subscriptions or network connections.

Guide Smart Choices. Maximize Savings. Keep Costs Under Control.

Today's Picks Smart Choice Lunch and Breakfast menu boards - Black
Build A Healthier Lunch Or Breakfast - Today Smart Choices Menu Board - Black
Build A Healthier Lunch Or Breakfast - Today Smart Choices Menu Board - White
Build A Healthier Lunch Or Breakfast - Today Smart Choices Menu Board - Colorful
 Smart Choice Lunch and Breakfast menu boards - Black
Power Up Your Day - Todays Smart Choice Menu Boards
Today Picks Smart Choice Lunch and Breakfast menu boards - Black
Today Picks Smart Choice Lunch and Breakfast menu boards = Colored
Today Picks Smart Choice Lunch and Breakfast menu boards - White
Today's Smart Choices Menu Boards - Colored
Today's Smart Choices Menu Boards - Black
Today Picks Smart Choice Lunch and Breakfast menu boards - White
Today Picks Smart Choice Lunch and Breakfast menu boards - Colorful
Today's Smart Choices - Lunch and Breakfast - Menu Boards - Black
Power Up Your Day, Smart Choices with food images Menu Boards - Black
Power Up Your Day, Smart Choices with no food images Menu Boards - Black
Power Up Your Day, Smart Choices with no food images Menu Boards - white
Power Up Your Day, Smart Choices with no food images Menu Boards - colored
Power Up Your Day, Smart Choices with food images Menu Boards - white
Power Up Your Day, Smart Choices with food images Menu Boards - colored
Choose Healthier - Smart Choices Lunch Breakfast Ni Images - Black
Choose Healthier, Today Smart Choices - White or Black
Choose Healthier, Smart choices - No Images - Colored
Choose Healthier, Smart choices - With Images Images - Colored
'Today's Specials' LED Flashing Write-On Menu Boards 1 - Portrait
'Today's Special' LED Flashing Write-On Menu Boards 2 - Landscape 
LED 'Today's Special' with 'Drink Milk At Meals' Menu Boards 2 - Landscap
'Today's Specials' LED Flashing Write-On Menu Boards 3 - Landscape - Lon
LED 'Today's Specials' with 'Drink Milk At Meals' Menu Boards 3 - Landscap
LED Flashing 'Today's Pick' menu boards
inside  Stands with Integrated rechargeable batteries
LED Flashing boards inside 'Easy Move' stands - with or without wheels​
Stand height is adjustable upto 66" and fits Portrait or Landscape signs
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion1
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today's Picks' and 'Next Picks' Combination Digital Menu Boards
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today's Picks' and 'What's Next' Combination Digital Menu Boards
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
​LED Flashing 'Pick of the Day' – Digital Menu Board Companion1
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today's Lunch Picks' and 'Next Lunch Picks' Combination Digital Menu Boards
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion2
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'What's Hot Today' – Digital Menu Board Companion2
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion3
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion4
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Pick of the Day' – Digital Menu Board Companion4
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion5
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'What's Hot Today' – Digital Menu Board Companion5
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion6
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion7
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion7
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Pick' – Digital Menu Board Companion10
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Lunch Picks' – Digital Menu Board Companion10n
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
LED Flashing 'Today’s Picks' – Digital Menu Board Companion102
​Price is for 5 units or more , for less, add $50 per unit 
​Your customized design - minimum quantity - 5 units
​Integrated Eye-hooks for wall mounting
If Battery operation is required, suggest buying  6800mA at $57.95 each, with each purchased board - allowing constant operation by having one rechargeable battery connected to a power outlet via the included 110V Power supply, and the other rechargeable battery connected to the board, and switching between the rechargeable batteries as needed.
Remote control that comes with all Flashing boards -
90 flashing, backlit and smooth transition modes
Manual Control - mounted into the stand that comes with the integrated flashing board
LED Flashing Write-On Menu Boards - Installation  and Operating Menual
1-operatinginstructions-ledflashingwrite-onboards.pdf
File Size: 343 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Make Your School Digital Menu Board More Effective—Before Students Even Get in Line
Most school digital menu boards are installed behind or above the serving line—meaning students often only see the full menu after they’re already in line and under pressure to decide quickly.

That’s why Green Edge Systems developed two entrance-area message boards that highlight just what students should know—when they enter school cafés.

These aren’t full menu boards—they’re focused, impactful highlight displays designed to complement your digital signage by bringing attention to the Smart Picks, featured meals, and even a sneak peek at tomorrow’s menu—right at the point where students are most open to seeing it.
Available in LED Flashing and Dry Erase styles, and built to stand inside customizable floor stands (with or without wheels), these new boards help schools:

✅ Boost lunch participation
✅ Reduce serving line hesitation
✅ Reinforce healthy choices
✅ Promote tomorrow’s meals today

✅ Two Styles. One Goal: Better Student Meal Engagement

1. ‘Today’s Pick’ Message Board

This board focuses solely on what’s being featured today—the standout dish that schools want to promote. Whether it’s a Smart Pick, a locally sourced option, a new menu item, or a fan favorite, this board puts the spotlight where it counts.
  • Installed at the entrance to the cafeteria
  • Gives students time to absorb the message before they reach the food line
  • Available as an LED Flashing Board for visibility or a Dry Erase Board for quick updates
  • Reinforces your Smart Picks initiative and promotes healthy meal choices
  • Ideal for schools already using a school digital menu board behind the serving line
💡 Also available with the header “Today’s Lunch Picks”: For schools that want to highlight lunch selections only, this version can remain in place during breakfast hours—encouraging students to return later for lunch and helping to increase overall participation.

2. ‘Today’s + Next Pick’ Message Board

Double the value. This board highlights today’s featured meal and also previews tomorrow’s highlight. It’s a simple way to help students look forward, build routine, and return for the meals they love.
  • Top section: Today’s Pick
  • Bottom section: Tomorrow’s highlight or special dish
  • Drives anticipation, boosts future participation
  • Helps students and parents plan ahead
  • Keeps communication clear, quick, and relevant

🎯 A True Companion to Your School Digital Menu Boards

Digital menu boards are excellent tools—but their position behind the counter means students often see them too late to think.
These entrance-area message boards are designed to:
  • Work with your existing school digital menu board
  • Deliver information before the food line begins
  • Reduce line delays by helping students decide earlier
  • Reinforce messaging in a clear, bold, and friendly format
They’re also highly effective as standalone solutions in schools without digital displays.

🖼️ Designed for Flexibility and Built to Last

Our message boards come in a wide range of configurations to match your cafeteria layout and communication goals:
  • LED Flashing or Dry Erase styles
  • Custom graphics with mascots, logos, and USDA-compliant visuals
  • Single- or double-sided
  • Stand options with or without wheels
  • Designed for durability, portability, and daily updates
You can explore all graphic design templates and stand styles directly on our website.

📈 Support Cafeteria Efficiency and Healthy Eating

Highlighting featured menu items with a simple, bold message board supports better decision-making and smoother cafeteria operations. Schools using our message boards report:
  • Shorter lines and faster service
  • Increased visibility for healthy options
  • Stronger Smart Picks program recognition
  • Greater meal anticipation and participation, especially when previewing tomorrow’s menu

📦 Easy to Order.

Ready to Customize.Whether you need a single board for one school or a district-wide solution, we’re ready to help you:
  • Match your current school digital menu board look
  • Add your mascot and district branding
  • Reinforce nutrition goals with USDA-aligned visuals
  • Choose the stand and format that fits your cafeteria best

✅ Highlight.

Guide. Engage.These are not full menu boards—they’re entrance-area highlight boards designed to support your existing school digital menu board system and help your cafeteria run smarter and smoother.

​If your district has already installed digital menu boards in some schools but is hesitant to expand to more - or to all schools - due to the high costs involved, we’d like to suggest a solution worth considering.
And if you're just now considering installing menu boards for the first time - but find yourself hesitating due to shrinking resources and the long-term cost of traditional digital systems - there’s a way to move forward without the financial burden.
Menu boards play a critical role:
  • They help satisfy USDA visibility requirements
  • They increase student participation
  • They support wellness goals through daily nutrition education
But expanding digital menu board use can be expensive - both up front and over time.


A Smarter Menu Board Option Designed for Real-World CafeteriasGreen Edge Systems’ LED Flashing Menu Boards offer the same high-visibility impact - without the screens, subscriptions, power infrastructure, or ongoing tech support.
* Choose wall-mounted or A-Frame models with integrated rechargeable batteries
* No power outlet required – perfect for entrances and high-traffic café areas
* Installed at student eye level, where choices are made
* Custom mascot headers and healthy eating slogans
* Fully USDA-compliant
* One-time purchase - no monthly or yearly fees, no IT involvement needed


Compare That to Traditional Digital Menu BoardsTypical First-Year Digital Menu Board Cost:
  • 55" digital screen with wall bracket: $700–$1,200
  • Accessories, media players, enclosures: $300–$600
  • Electrical cabling and installation: $500–$1,000
  • Software licensing: $1,200–$3,600
  • Setup, training, and onboarding: $400–$800
Total First-Year Cost per Location: $3,100–$7,200


Annual Ongoing Costs (Starting Year 2):
  • Software subscriptions: $1,200–$3,600
  • Tech support and system updates: $300–$900
  • IT staff time: $600–$1,500
  • Screen maintenance/replacement: $250–$600
Ongoing Annual Cost per Location: $2,350–$6,600


Compare That to Green Edge Systems' One-Time Investment:
  • Wall-Mounted LED Flashing Board: $399
  • A-Frame Board with Integrated Battery: $519
  • No software, no screens, no subscriptions, no power installation
Total Lifetime Cost: $399–$519 per location