October 28, 2011 – Julia Bauscher, SNS, Director of School and Community Nutrition Services, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, Ky., has been named the 2012 Golden School Foodservice Director of the Year in the annual FAME (Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence) Awards competition. The FAME Awards have been honoring innovative school nutrition professionals and allies for the last 23 years.
The Golden School Foodservice Director demonstrates outstanding achievement in leadership, spirit/dedication, innovation, career awards, management systems, humanitarianism/community involvement and bettering the lives of students.
A this year’s Golden School Foodservice Director of the Year winner, Bauscher has nearly 20 years of experience and innovation in the Jefferson County district, starting as coordinator of food procurement, before becoming manager of the district’s new central kitchen and finally taking the position of program director in 2009. Examples of Bauscher’s creative and forward-thinking leadership range from renting an area expo center to coordinate a full-fledge training and development conference for her staff to processing fresh local produce when it is in season for use throughout the year to partnering with local chefs and culinary schools. This year, more than half of the district’s 144 school sites were recognized with designations in the HealthierUS School Challenge program. Bauscher also has served as president of the Kentucky School Nutrition Association and as Nutrition Committee chair on the SNA Board of Directors.
Five other school nutrition professionals were lauded by the FAME selection panel that included winners of the 2011 competition, as well as the editors of School Nutrition magazine and other trade publications and SNA President Helen Phillips, SNS.
Linda Stoll, MPH, Executive Director of Food Services, Jefferson County School District, Golden, Colo., was named as winner of the Silver Leadership Award, which recognizes a director who demonstrates outstanding leadership, dedication, fiscal achievement and innovation in menuing/merchandising.
The Silver Spirit Award is given to a person in a management position who shows commitment to the people and programs of child nutrition and distinguishes her/himself through innovative programs, marketing, training, customer service, and/or staff motivation; this year’s winner is Craig Weidel, Area Supervisor, Mesa (Ariz.) Public Schools.
The Silver Rising Star Award recognizes and encourages the next generation, honoring a director with three or fewer years’ experience. Jessica Shelly, Foodservices Director, Cincinnati Public Schools receives this year’s award.
FAME’s Silver Special Achievement Award, bestowed on a director who shows innovation in districts with 10,000 or less student enrollment, went this year Jane Johnson, School Nutrition Director, Crane School District #13, in Yuma, Ariz.
The Silver Friend of Child Nutrition Award, which recognizes an outstanding supporter or advocate of school nutrition programs, was awarded to Dayle Hayes, MS, RD, President of Nutrition for the Future, Inc., in Billings, Mont.
In addition, the second honoree of the Gertrude Applebaum Lifetime Achievement Award, selected exclusively by the FAME sponsors, is Shirley R. Watkins, President of SR Watkins & Associates, LLC, Silver Spring, Md. Watkins is a past president of SNA and a former Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services at USDA.
The 2012 FAME Awards are made possible with the generous support of Basic American Foods, Schwan’s Food Services, Inc., and Tyson Foods, Inc. The awards will be presented Sunday, January 15, 2012, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, in conjunction with SNA’s Child Nutrition Industry Conference in Orlando, Fla.
CNIC 2012FAME (www.fameawards.net)
October 26, 2011 – These are challenging times. From rising costs to tightening budgets, your district, like many others, is likely looking for ways to ensure that the money it spends to meet students’ needs goes as far as possible. But professional development is important, too, and SNA’s upcoming 2012 Child Nutrition Industry Conference (CNIC) in Orlando, Fla., promises to be one of the best educational and networking events you can attend. The perfect mix of these two takeaways is likely to get you the maximum bang for your buck…and if you register by the extended Early Bird registration deadline, November 15th, you will save $50 off the regular registration fees! Talk about getting the most out of your education dollar!
This annual meeting will be held January 15-17, 2012, at the Omni ChampionsGate Resort, and is your roadmap for navigating the most complex challenges on today’s bumpy school nutrition road. With timely sessions covering kid-consumer trends, personal wellness, meal patterns and the implementation of the pending new regulations, you’ll drive away with a clear sense of direction for the future. Plus, this conference is a unique opportunity to interact with your school nutrition peers who are experiencing many of the same day-to-day challenges you face in operating a successful program.
Of course, one of the highlights of the conference each year, and sure to be a hit at CNIC 2012, are the Innovation Station sessions! Get ready to team up with your peers to learn about the latest and greatest innovations that will influence the school nutrition market for years to come. During these exciting mini-sessions, thirty different companies will present recently introduced or in-development food, beverage, equipment and service solutions designed to streamline your daily operations. This unique mini-session approach gives you more opportunity to see and sample new offerings, while allowing industry partners more “face” time to obtain your feedback and answer your top questions.
With so many takeaways from CNIC, it shouldn’t be hard convincing your supervisor about why it’s so important to attend. However, if you need a little help demonstrating the importance of CNIC to your supervisor, SNA has created a letter template highlighting how your professional development at CNIC is a smart investment for your school nutrition program.
So, what are you waiting for?! Register by November 15th and get ready to join us in Orlando for CNIC 2012!
CNIC 2012
Register for CNIC
Innovation Stations
CNIC Letter to Your Supervisor
October 26, 2011—The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to end childhood obesity. Schools participating in the challenge adopt USDA standards for the food that they serve and provide nutrition education and opportunities for physical activity. The challenge features four award levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction.
Congratulations to the districts in this list, which had one or more schools that achieved HUSSC designations in October 2011. A special round of congratulations goes to Los Angeles Unified School District and its nearly 500 schools that earned designations in October.
As of October 20, 2011, 2,161 schools have achieved HUSSC certification. For a list of all of the award-winning schools, visit http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/healthierUS/awardwinners.html.
Alabama
California
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maine
Massachusetts
North Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Has your school earned a HealthierUS School Challenge designation? Feel free to share tips and ideas for success with your school nutrition colleagues by submitting a comment to this post.
The May 2011 issue of School Nutrition features an article on HUSSC best practices. Additionally, an article in the September 2011 issue of School Nutrition demonstrates how smaller school districts can strive to achieve HUSSC—and Fuel Up to Play 60—success to get the recognition that their programs deserve.
For more information about the HealthierUS School Challenge, including criteria and an application, visit http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/healthierus/index.html.
HealthierUS School Challenge Information
HealthierUS School Challenge Award-Winning Schools “Are YOU up for the Challenge?”—School Nutrition, May 2011
“Small Schools See the Big Picture”—School Nutrition, September 2011USDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces September HealthierUS School Challenge WinnersUSDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces July HealthierUS School Challenge Winners USDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces Latest HealthierUS School Challenge Winners USDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces June HealthierUS School Challenge Winners USDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces May HealthierUS School Challenge WinnersUSDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces April and May HealthierUS School Challenge WinnersUSDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces March HealthierUS School Challenge WinnersUSDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces New HealthierUS School Challenge Winners
The SNA Emporium now has a MyPlate poster available in Spanish. The poster features the new MiPlato icon and the following message in Spanish “Choose from all five food groups to balance your lunch tray.”
Prices start at $3.25.
Order posters for your cafeterias today at http://emporium.schoolnutrition.org
HOW TO ORDERPhone: 1 800 728 0728Online: http://emporium.schoolnutrition.orgFax: 703 564 3001
October 24, 2011—School Nutrition, SNA’s award-winning flagship publication, has released its 2012 editorial calendar.
Upcoming topics include returns of its popular Readers’ Choice, NSLW/NSBW Preview, Critical Issues, Back to School and Personal Development issues. In the coming months, School Nutrition also will showcase equipment; explore best practices in cafeteria & classroom nutrition education; highlight examples of disaster preparation and recovery; review executive management approaches; spotlight big ideas and innovations; and examine the impact of new federal regulations on school nutrition programs.
Interested in providing article leads or resources for School Nutrition magazine for the coming year? Take a look at the editorial calendar, as well as the contributor guidelines.
For companies seeking to advertise, you can find all of the information you will need on the magazine’s rate sheet.
2012 Editorial Calendar
Contributor Guidelines
2012 Advertising Rates and Information
October 21, 2011—SNA Past President Penny McConnell, SNS, recently received a 2011 Medallion Award from the American Dietetic Association (ADA) in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership to ADA and the dietetics profession. She is the director of food and nutrition services for Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools and serves on the board of directors for the Global Child Nutrition Foundation.
McConnell was a charter member and chair of ADA’s School Nutrition Services dietetic practice group. She also is a past president of the Virginia Dietetic Association.
For more details about McConnell’s honor, visit www.newswise.com/articles/american-dietetic-association-presents-medallion-awards-to-eight-members-for-service-to-ada-and-dietetics-profession.
American Dietetic Association Presents Medallion Awards to Eight Members for Service to ADA and Dietetics Profession
October 20, 2011 – Last week, school cafeterias across the country celebrated National School Lunch Week with farm fresh produce, special guests, games and activities to get kids excited about learning where their food comes from. This year’s theme, School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy, promoted locally sourced foods and all the ways that school lunch helps kids grow strong and healthy.
Here’s a sampling of activities from school districts across the country:
Arlington Public Schools’ (VA) menus featured locally grown fruits and vegetables every day during Lunch Week, and the district hosted an event where local farmers offered free produce samples in the cafeteria. Special guests included USDA Under Sec. (FNS) Kevin Concannon and SNA CEO Frank DiPasquale.
Provo School District (UT) celebrated Lunch Week in a variety of ways, and they included parents in the fun too! Parents were invited to join their students for school lunch during National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day. To see photos and read more about all of Provo’s Lunch Week events, visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/ITSMealsProvo#!/ITSMealsProvo
Hillsborough County School District’s (FL) Chef Ben Guggenmos helped students learn more about healthy choices during Lunch Week. Chef Ben hosted healthy snack demos in several district schools. Click the link to see how he got students excited about roasted broccoli: http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/education/chef-brings-healthier%2C-tastier-twist-to-school-lunches-101411
Students at Taylor Elementary School, Cedar Rapids, IA, celebrated Lunch Week with special guest, USDA Dep. Under Sec. of FNS Janey Thornton, who announced that Iowa’s HealthierUS Schools will receive over $340,000 in federal funds. http://thegazette.com/2011/10/12/usda-official-brings-good-news-to-local-schools/
(October 19, 2011) Last night, the US Senate approved an amendment that effectively lifts USDA’s proposed meal pattern restrictions on starchy vegetables served in school meals. The amendment, offered by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo, passed during debate on the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. Specifically, the amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a rule that sets maximum limits on the serving of vegetables in school meal programs or is inconsistent with the recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans for vegetables. While SNA agreed with Senator Collins desire to increase the amount of starchy vegetables that could be served, SNA supported USDA completing the regulatory review process and issuing a revised rule based on the comments submitted.
The Senate is expected to complete action on this appropriations bill this week. Once the Senate completes debate and passes the bill, a conference committee will be assigned to resolve the differences between the House and Senate bills. When the final bill is drafted, it must be approved by both Houses of Congress before being sent to the President for his signature. SNA will keep members apprised of any new developments.
In the meantime, SNA stands behind the 11 page comments our Association submitted in response to the proposed rule. USDA is taking all comments under consideration as they work toward a final meal pattern update. SNA strongly supports this process and full completion of the regulatory process so that federal nutrition standards will be in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
On Monday, October 17, The First Lady hosted a reception on the South Lawn to honor the 1,273 schools that met her goal to double the number of participants in the HealthierUS School Challenge within one year. The Challenge pays tribute to schools that create healthier school environments through exceptional nutrition education, nutritious food and beverage choices, and opportunities for physical activity.
"Achieving the HealthierUS School Challenge recognition demonstrates a school's deep commitment to create and maintain a healthy school environment," US Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack said.
Those honored at the White House ceremony voluntarily agreed to provide healthy meals based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which included serving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain foods, and fat-free or low fat milk. Schools participating in the Challenge are recognized with Gold Award of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze-level certification.
The full list of HealthierUS School Challenge winners can be found at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthierus/awardwinners.html
October 18, 2011 – Need direction for navigating the complex challenges on today’s bumpy school nutrition road? Get the help you need to steer your operation or business to ongoing excellence by attending SNA’s Child Nutrition Industry Conference (CNIC), which will be held January 15-17, 2012, at the Omni ChampionsGate Resort in Orlando, Fla. This annual meeting of school nutrition operators and industry partners will focus on the theme, “Create Your Roadmap for Change,” and will include numerous educational sessions and networking opportunities designed to provide you with ideas, solutions and strategies for making change work for you instead of against you.
The full conference details are set to arrive in your mailbox any day, packed with everything you need to know about CNIC. Of course, why wait when you can learn about this year’s General Session speakers today! Sports legend and one of America’s top motivational speakers, Pat Williams will share his incredible story of success—from penning over 50 books to leading 23 teams to the NBA playoffs—and how you can achieve your own success in the workplace. Need help encouraging your staff, your students or yourself on a path toward lifelong health and wellness? Well, you won’t want to miss hearing what Ali Vincent, the winner of the hit show “The Biggest Loser,” has to say! Since taking the title as the first female to win the show, Ali has wowed audiences with her amazing transformation, her inner strength and her personal philosophy, “Believe It, Be It.”
Staying ahead of upcoming trends is one key way to make change work for you, and no one can bring you up to speed on trends on the cusp of breaking like Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert. You will leave his fascinating session with a keen understanding of all the ways your students influence your school nutrition operation. Of course, if you want even more insight into the minds of your students and their buying behavior, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear the “Sherlock Holmes of Food,” Dr. Brian Wansink. This food detective will highlight quick and inexpensive changes you can implement to nudge your students to make better lunch-line decisions without sacrificing participation. The importance of such better-eating decisions--for your students and yourself—as well as the value of exercise will be the center of the discussion for industry partners and fitness enthusiasts Gary Vonck and Kim Schwabenbauer.
As if that weren’t enough, Cindy Long, Child Nutrition Division Director of USDA Food & Nutrition Service, will be on hand to provide a comprehensive update of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and its many provisions, all of which will have a major impact on child nutrition programs for years to come. A special emphasis on the status of the new meal patterns and other important information coming down the pike will also be addressed.
With so much information available, you’re guaranteed a solid return on investment for the time you spend at CNIC. Don’t miss out on one of best learning, sharing and networking events! Register by November 4th to take advantage of the CNIC Early Bird registration rate!
Keynote Speakers
SNF and Winston Industries are committed to supporting child nutrition programs and school food service nationwide. Each year since 2007, Winston has awarded equipment to one school district needing improvement of its school meal kitchen facilities. The Winston Equipment Award Grant 2011 application is now open!
Winston will be awarding 10 pieces of equipment through this competitive grant process to one child nutrition program. Equipment includes holding cabinets, holding drawers and thermalizers. For more information on the application and equipment available, visit: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Level2.aspx?id=11634#winston
The online application must be submitted by midnight EST on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. For more information: scholarships@schoolnutrition.org or 301-686-3100 x149
(October 14, 2011) As early as Monday, October 17, the US Senate is expected to debate the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. School Nutrition Association anticipates that an amendment will be offered related to USDA’s proposed meal pattern. However, given that the amendment has not yet been released, we do not know precisely what the amendment may do.
Some organizations are already calling on individuals to sign petitions or send letters regarding Senate efforts. SNA urges all members to wait until the amendment is released before taking action.
SNA stands behind the 11 page comments our Association submitted in response to the proposed rule. USDA is taking all comments under consideration as they work toward a final meal pattern update. SNA strongly supports this process and full completion of the regulatory process so that federal nutrition standards will be in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
October 14, 2011 - It’s that time of year again—the time when you get to help decide who serve on SNA’s 2012-14 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Who will be the voice for your interests and concerns in the coming years? The decision is in your hands! Be sure to cast your vote between October 15 and November 15, 2011.This year, the election features 25 candidates from around the country who share a common interest: a passion for child nutrition. For the full list of candidates and their biographies, log on to www.schoolnutrition.org/snaelection. You can also learn more about the two candidates running for Vice President by opening to pages 46-47 of your October issue of School Nutrition magazine. When elected, this person begins a four-year cycle that includes the positions of president-elect, president and School Nutrition Foundation president. The newly elected officers and Nominating Committee representatives will be announced in late November and officers will be installed in July 2012 at SNA’s Annual National Conference in Denver.How to VoteIt is imperative when voting online that you have your membership number available; this is located on your SNA membership card or on the label of your School Nutrition magazine. In order to vote, your SNA membership must have been valid and current as of May 31, 2011. You will NOT be eligible to vote if you became a member or reinstated your membership after this date. Members in the Affiliate, Other or Student membership category are not eligible to vote. The slate of candidates that you are eligible to vote for is based on your membership section and the SNA region you work in.To cast your vote, go to www.schoolnutrition.org/snaelection and click on ‘Vote Now’ to be directed to an independent, secure voting site. You can feel confident that the election is a secure process, as it requires all members to enter their membership numbers prior to voting and ensures that each member only votes one time. Prompts will guide you through the online voting process, but to save time, please make all of your selections in advance. It is critical that you participate in this annual voting process and have your voice heard. This responsibility is significant to the Association and to the overall future of school nutrition programs nationwide. For questions about the SNA Election, please contact the SNA Service Center at (800) 877-8822.
SNA Election
Printable SNA Election biographies
October 13, 2011 - On October 12, US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Under Secretary Kevin Concannon joined Arlington Public Schools (VA) and SNA CEO Frank DiPasquale in celebrating National School Lunch Week (NSLW) and SNA’s “School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy” campaign.
Under Secretary Concannon attended a special event at Arlington’s Nottingham Elementary School. Two local farmers, who supply the school nutrition program set up farmers market style produce stands in the cafeteria, allowing students to taste test some of the healthy foods grown throughout the region.
The school menu featured Oven Roasted Chicken and Cornbread with Fresh Local Asian Pear, Roasted Local Butternut Squash and Fresh Local Green Salad. Arlington cafeterias are serving locally grown fruits and vegetables every day this week, and much of the produce served throughout the year comes from farms within 100 miles of the school district.
This week, be sure to check out www.TrayTalk.org to read Arlington’s School Nutrition Success Story, and to read the Presidential Proclamation about National School Lunch Week, click here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/07/presidential-proclamation-national-school-lunch-week.
October 11, 2011—The American Heart Association will expand and improve its Heart-Check Food Certification Program to allow certification of more foods that contain the healthier fats, including fish, nuts and other foods higher in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The updated Food Certification Program also will include revised sodium allowances and screening guidelines to limit added sugars and promote dietary fiber in certified products.
Fish, nuts and other foods with heart-health benefits, such as “better fats” (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), are eligible for immediate certification. The updated requirements for sodium, sugar and fiber will be effective in 2014 to allow food manufacturers time to reformulate their production processes.
The Heart-Check program allows consumers to identify heart-healthy foods when making purchasing decisions and was updated to align with the American Heart Association’s healthy eating and lifestyle recommendations identified as part of its 2020 goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by 2020.
To learn more about the Heart-Check Food Certification Program and for a complete list of certified products and participating companies, as well as the nutritional criteria, visit www.heartcheckmark.org.
American Heart Association Heart-Check Food Certification Program
October 10, 2011--Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently announced the establishment of dockets to collect comments, data, and evidence relevant to the dietary intake of sodium.
They are interested in current and emerging approaches that promote sodium reduction. The agencies would like to see research that will help organizations understand current and emerging practices by industry in sodium reduction in foods; current consumer understanding of the role of sodium in hypertension and other chronic illnesses, sodium consumption practices; motivation and barriers in reducing sodium in their food intakes; and issues associated with the development of targets for sodium reduction in foods to promote reduction of excess sodium intake.
The School Nutrition Association plans to formulate and submit comments in response to this notice. Please email cschuchart@schoolnutrition.org if you have comments you would like included within SNA’s comments, or you are welcome to submit your own comments as well.
The submission deadline is: November 29, 2011.
Electronic comments may be submitted online at: http://www.regulations.gov.
To read the detailed Federal Register Notice and for information about submitting comments see: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-09-15/html/2011-23753.htm
Federal Register: FNS Requesting Comments on Indirect CostsThe Food and Nutrition Service division of the US Department of Agriculture is requesting comments on an indirect cost study. The study is required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 to assess the extent to which school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs pay indirect costs.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions that were used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
SNA is currently formulating comments for submission and members are also encouraged to send in comments, either to SNA or directly to FNS.
Submission must be made by December 6,2011. Comments may be sent to: John Endahl, Senior Program Analyst, Office of Research and Analysis, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1004, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of John Endahl at 703-305-2576, via email to john.endahl@fns.usda.gov or through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
On October 5, School Nutrition Association President Helen Phillips, SNS, was interviewed by food expert Phil Lempert on his Food News Today web broadcast. The interview covered everything from healthy trends in school cafeterias to SNA’s National School Lunch Week “School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy” campaign. To watch the interview, click on the link below:http://www.foodnewstoday.com/episode-0049.html
October 7, 20011 -- In April 2011, the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) launched Peer2Peer Connect, a new education and networking resource that connects SNA members and non-members via conference call and allows for real-time interaction and discussion of key issues affecting school nutrition programs. Designed especially for directors, area supervisors and managers, the goal of these FREE conference calls is to provide ample opportunity for members to share resources, ideas and strategies.
SNF is excited to announce the return of the Peer2Peer Connect conference call series for fall 2011:
To learn more about Peer2Peer Connect, listen to recordings of previous discussions, or register for upcoming Peer2Peer Connect calls, visit: www.schoolnutrition.org/Peer2Peer
October 7, 2011 -- On Wednesday, October 5, 2011 the School Nutrition Association was invited to be a part of the first Let's Move! Garden Harvest & Tweetup at the White House. @SchoolLunch (SNA’s voice on Twitter) and a select group of 16 other tweeps were chosen out of hundreds of applicants to meet with White House staff, observe First Lady Michelle Obama’s Fall Garden Harvest, and share their experience with followers on Twitter.
Let’s Move! is the First Lady’s initiative working to solve childhood obesity within a generation. The School Nutrition Association, whose members work every day to provide healthy school meals, was honored to be included in the tweetup and generate buzz around the First Lady’s efforts to improve child nutrition and get kids excited about healthy lifestyles.
Participating in the tweetup also gave @SchoolLunch the opportunity to connect with other tweeps focused on childhood obesity and link them and their followers with www.TrayTalk.org, showing how schools across the country have long supported Let’s Move! goals like offering more locally sourced produce and participating in the HealthierUS School Challenge.
First Lady Michelle Obama with Mia, harvesting peppers in the White House garden
You can revisit the conversations at www.twitter.com by searching the hashtags -- #LetsMove, #WHTweetUp, and for an insider’s view of the tweetup, read @SchoolLunch’s account of the day’s events below:
The afternoon began around 1:00 pm, when I met other tweeps outside the North West Gate of the White House. It felt like a scene out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (But in this real life scenario, fresh vegetables were the reason for the behind the scenes tour!)
We toured the White House garden with Chef Sam Kass and learned about the variety of produce grown in the garden. He was very proud of the figs proclaiming, “Someone tweet this fig!” I also learned that the seeds from the garden came from Thomas Jefferson and that Eleanor Roosevelt was the last First Lady to have a garden at the White House!
We also learned about the beehive with White House carpenter and beekeeper Charlie Brandts. Did you know that 1 out of 3 bites of food are directly impacted by pollination? Even beef?
We then met with Let’s Move! Executive Director, Dr. Judith Palfrey, and Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy and Special Projects for the First Lady, Jocelyn Frye, to learn more about the origins of the Let’s Move! initiative. The First Lady has utilized and leveraged the garden to have more serious discussions about child nutrition issues.
After our policy discussion, we returned to the garden to watch the First Lady, along with students from Bancroft and Harriet Tubman Elementary Schools, harvest sweet potatoes and peppers for an upcoming State Dinner next week as well as for Miriam’s Kitchen, a local soup kitchen.
When the First Lady came out to greet everyone she gave a nod to the tweetup group, “Twitter fans in the house. Woo! You guys ready? Got your thumbs ready?" But her focus was on the children. She asked them enthusiastically, “Why are we here?” The first response was: “To learn how to eat healthy!” The second was: “To eat pizza!” Here is the recipe for what looked like delicious garden vegetable pizza.
Following the garden harvest, we were escorted to the White House Kitchen where Executive Chef Cris Comeford showed us how to squeeze all the MyPlate components into a delicious whole grain pita! This included a seasoned Greek yogurt sauce, marinated chicken breast, hummus, plenty of veggies and even apple slices. Following our kitchen tour, we were escorted off the White House grounds.
Throughout the afternoon of tweeting, I tweeted pics and tidbits about the day as well as resources for followers to see what great work is being done with school meals! by @SchoolLunch
@SchoolLunch has over 5,300 followers including national reporters, school food advocates, policy makers and parents.
October 6, 2011—Working together with school nutrition professionals, industry partners help to ensure that students receive high-quality school meals that meet nutrition standards. But what should school nutrition operators know about the industry side of the business?
The October issue of School Nutrition, SNA’s award-winning flagship publication, highlights aspects of the school nutrition profession from an industry perspective and examines how school nutrition operators and industry members best can work together to serve student customers.
The October issue also reveals the new products that caught the attention of School Nutrition’s Secret Shopper team at SNA’s Annual National Conference in Nashville and provides a fascinating look at the history of chili, plus suggestions for menuing it in your own operation.
In “Open for Business,” several seasoned industry partners discuss the joys and challenges of serving the unique K-12 school market. Be sure not to miss their insightful compliments and candor.
“Behind the Magic” takes School Nutrition readers behind the scenes with food manufacturers who share some of the steps and considerations involved in the product development process. Bonus Web Content: Bill Hargis, president and CEO of 4U2U Brands, LLC, shares reflections about his company’s efforts in creating healthy beverages that kids will drink, while Chuck Ainsworth, division manager, SFSPac Food Service Sanitation Systems, offers insights into developing new eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
The relationship between a food industry vendor and a school nutrition operation is something of a dance. Check out “Come Dance With Me” for a look at the steps and choreography needed to ensure a successful partnership.
“Secret Shopper: Mission Nashville” spotlights the creative innovations that School Nutrition’s independent team of Secret Shoppers found most intriguing at SNA’s Annual National Conference in Nashville. Bonus Web Content: This year’s Secret Shopper team discovered more products than we could showcase in the print version of School Nutrition, so don’t miss an additional set of Exhibit Hall shopping “finds” online.
There’s very little about chili that’s not up for debate: Its origins, its ingredients, its preparation—even the spelling of its name! “Great Bowls of Fire!” takes a closer look at the history behind this spicy concoction.
School Nutrition –October 2011
NOW is the time to apply for the November 2011 District of Excellence! The District of Excellence Distinction in School Nutrition is awarded to school nutrition programs that have successfully documented their program has met or exceeded the best practice standards set by the School Nutrition Association. The District of Excellence applications are reviewed by an expert peer review panel. The deadlines for the November 2011 District of Excellence are as follows:
FAQs
How to Apply
It is strongly recommended that you complete the Keys Express online self-assessment before applying for District of Excellence: Scores should be as close to 100% as possible.
Review the District of Excellence application instructions (including the instructions for completing the application binder):
Complete the District of Excellence Online Application
For more information, please contact Ruth Bennett.
Tray Talk Video Spotlight on Farm to School
Tray Talk introduces a new series of videos spotlighting school nutrition success stories from across the country. In honor of National School Lunch Week and “School Lunch - Let’s Grow Healthy”, the first video focuses on Farm to School and shows how the Burlington School Food Project (Vermont) is connecting students and their families with wholesome, local and fresh foods.
Or watch the video about Burlington’s amazing Farm to School Program at the Tray Talk Website.
New Jersey Cafeterias Serving Up Rachael Ray’s Healthy School Recipes
Rachael Ray joins Sal Valenza and his nutritionteam in their West New York Schools kitchen
West New York Schools (NJ) are always looking for fun ways to get students excited about eating healthier meals. So when the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and television personality and author Rachael Ray asked them to test healthy new school meal recipes with their students, they jumped at the chance.
The school nutrition team gave the recipes a trial run in their school kitchens, collecting feedback from students as well as the school chef and cooks who prepared the dishes. Now, students in New Jersey and in schools throughout the country are enjoying Rachael Ray’s Cheesy Mac & Trees, BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes and other scratch-prepared, veggie-infused, low-fat and low-sodium dishes.
Read the full success story.
Or access the Rachael Ray recipes.