Calling all Non-Commercial Foodservice Operators!



It's time for the

2026 CAN DO Challenge



We invite you to show off the creative, customer-pleasing ways that you feature U.S. grown canned Bartlett pears on your menu in smoothies, baked goods, entrées, salads, snacks, and desserts – all recipe categories are welcome.

You have until May 1, 2026 to submit your entries.

Take a look at previous winners for inspiration.

Meet Chef George Siedis

Child Nutrition Director

Three Rivers Community Schools, MI

Third Place Winner of the 2025 CAN DO Challenge

Honey Roasted Bartlett Pear Overnight Oats

What was the inspiration for your recipe? Is this recipe still on the menu or do you rotate it into your schedule?

My high school kitchen staff came up with the idea to toss the diced Bartlett pears with honey from our district beehives and roast them. We added them to our overnight oats that we serve for breakfast and they were a huge hit! We rotate this recipe into our breakfast cycle menu.

How does your school district balance creativity with consistency in the kitchen?

We are always working on new recipes and try to work in as much local foods and scratch cooking as possible. Recipe analyzing software helps us keep on track with USDA meal guidance.

Recipe of the Month

It's National Nutrition Month! Celebrate by tossing canned pears with blue cheese and caramelized walnuts into a salad.

Order Free Bookmarks & Posters



Students like our bookmarks with a puzzle on the back, and posters add color to the lunchroom. They’re free! You can also download our education and inspiration resources, from menu tips and tricks to canned pear fun facts.

Blend Them Up

Having trouble getting your kids to eat fruit? Toss it in a smoothie, they'll never know! We have six delicious smoothie recipes on our website. Are you more of an orange and pear fan or a spinach and pear fanatic?

Blend some bananas, yogurt, chai spices, and canned pears for the ultimate chai smoothie.

Our Sustainability Story

Did you know that Pacific Northwest Bartlett pear trees produce large and small fruit? Before the fruit heads to the cannery or to the fresh market, they are measured on the tree to determine the best destination. Pears that head to nearby canneries are ripened, then cored, peeled, and poached right in the BPA-free cans. Nothing is added except the poaching liquid—pear juice or a lightly sweetened syrup. This is the same time-honored canning process used by past generations of home canners to preserve the fruits of summer throughout the year. 

Pro tip: Did you know that everything in a can of pears is usable?