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Nutrition Pros Earn Their Capes on School Lunch Hero Day

Cafeteria employees are the heart and soul of lunch-time experiences for students of every age, but they don’t often get recognized for their efforts. It’s that time of year again – School Lunch Hero Day celebrates those deserving lunch ladies and gentlemen! The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) received hundreds of nominations of stellar school nutrition professionals and awarded six Regional Employees of the Year. The award was created to recognize outstanding school nutrition employees who influence the quality of school meals through customer service. Meet the 2018 winners: Read more…

School Lunch Hero Day Celebrations Marked By Author Visit in Virginia

It’s not everyday an award-winning author and illustrator visits an elementary school to celebrate their cafeteria staff, but who better than Jarrett Krosoczka, creator of the popular LUNCH LADY graphic novels series to kick off School Lunch Hero Day!

School Nutrition Directors Recognized for Excellence

The national non-profit, School Nutrition Association (SNA), has awarded the 2018 Regional Directors of the Year, celebrating individuals for excellence in leadership and commitment to their school meal programs. Excelling at budgeting, professional training and leading cafeteria staff in great customer service, these Regional Directors of the Year ensure the overall success of their school meal programs and students’ school day. Read more…

Regional School Nutrition Managers of the Year Awarded

Managers of school kitchens and cafeteria keep things running smoothly, overseeing everything from staff and food presentation to equipment and decor. They know their school and their students and are always working to create the best lunchroom experience. In recognition of their outstanding hard work and dedication, the national, non-profit School Nutrition Association(SNA) has awarded the 2018 Regional Managers of the Year, considered the highest honor a school nutrition manager can earn. The award recognizes a cafeteria manager who has demonstrated dedication and ingenuity to improve his or her school meal program. Read more…

School Lunch Hero Day Celebrates 2018 National Award Winners

School Lunch Heroes aren’t recognized for wearing capes, they can be seen behind the serving line in the kitchen, walking through the cafeteria checking on students or even behind-the-scenes planning menus and special initiatives. Effort, dedication and compassion are the secret recipes to their success, and a lot goes into making the school meal experience fun and nutritious for their students. Read more…

Mini Chefs Sharpen Culinary Skills After School

While sports, arts and science clubs are common extra curricular activities, students in Carrollton City Schools (Georgia) also get a chance to expand their knowledge and enjoyment of cooking through a new after-school Culinary Club! Read more…

Virginia District Highlights Breakfast in Weeklong Celebrations

Food & Nutrition Service professionals in Virginia’s Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) went above and beyond for National School Breakfast Week this year. Their engaging breakfast program promotions helped boost school breakfast participation by 31% over the same time-frame last year! With a full schedule of programs available, school staff and parents were encouraged to make this week exciting and informative, highlighting the benefits and opportunities for students to enjoy a nourishing meal every morning at school. Read more…

School Breakfast Offers Rainbow of Healthy Options for Students

In addition to offering whole grain cereals or breakfast bars and healthy grab-and-go options, many schools are trying to increase made-to-order or scratch-made choices to the menu. National School Breakfast Week (March 5-9, 2018) is typically a time when many schools test out new recipes and menu options make their debut. Read more…

School Breakfast Rescues Students’ Mornings

When starting to offer breakfast carts this past January, Park Hill School District (MO) wanted to change the way students start their day. Ronda McCullick, the Director of Food Services, said that this new method of reaching students is making great progress – one knock at a time! The school foodservice professional manning the cart walks the hallways past each classroom, depending on what the sign on the classroom door indicates, they either knock to enter with breakfast options or keep on rolling! Read more…

Parfaits for Days – At School, Anyway!

Yogurt parfaits have long been a popular at-home snack, but schools have worked hard to serve students’ serious love of the customizable, healthy treat! Every kind of yogurt flavor, along with colorful and delicious topping options, creates countless combinations.

Schools in Maine have started offering their “Create Your Own Parfait Bar,” giving students more options during special events and programs, like National School Breakfast Week. According to Jeanne Reilly, Director of Nutrition at Windham School Department (ME), students love refreshing and nutritious parfaits to help them start their mornings off right. Read more…