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Table of Contents
December 12, 2025
The Fall 2025 issue of the Journal of Child Nutrition & Management features research and insights on nutrition standards, education, administration, operations, food production, food safety, and marketing. Together, these articles provide evidence‑based practices and innovative strategies to strengthen child nutrition programs..
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Editor’s Note
December 12, 2025
Welcome to the Fall 2025 Issue of the Journal of Child Nutrition & Management (JCNM)!
Keith Rushing, PhD, RD - Editor, Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, School Nutrition Association
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Food Trends of K–12 Schools Participating in the School Breakfast Program
December 12, 2025
This study aimed to identify foods currently popular and growing in popularity in K–12 schools participating in
the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Marjuyua Lartey Gibson, PhD, RDN, Ruaa Al Juboori, PhD, MPH, MBChB, Sharon Schaefer, SNS.
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Assessing the Training Needs of Cafeteria Managers for Initiatives to Improve the School Nutrition Environment in Virginia
December 12, 2025
School cafeteria managers are key agents of change for improving the school nutrition environment.
Understanding managers’ training needs and their perceived barriers are essential for successful
implementation of initiatives. The purpose of this needs assessment was to explore the perceptions of [state]
school cafeteria managers regarding training needs for four initiatives: scratch cooking, local food procurement
and service, student-inspired meals, and adherence to the Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for
Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium [Transitional Nutrition Standards].
Understanding managers’ training needs and their perceived barriers are essential for successful
implementation of initiatives. The purpose of this needs assessment was to explore the perceptions of [state]
school cafeteria managers regarding training needs for four initiatives: scratch cooking, local food procurement
and service, student-inspired meals, and adherence to the Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for
Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium [Transitional Nutrition Standards].
Maria DeNunzio, MS, Kelly Shomo, MPH, Katelynn Stansfield, MS, RDN, CDCES, Sandra Curwood, PhD, RDN, Sarah Misyak, PhD, MPH
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Meat/Meat Alternates in Middle School Menus: A Comparison
December 12, 2025
The objective of this study was to report the frequency with which Meat and Meat Alternate (M/MA) protein
sources appeared on archived school lunch tray images and to compare results to current trends in middle
school lunch menus. The amount of beef, poultry, other meat, and non-meat components remaining on lunch
trays images post-consumption was estimated to rank order main dishes based on appearance and potential
for food waste. The range of M/MA alternate choices on present day school lunch menus was tabulated to gain
insight into protein source trends for comparison.
sources appeared on archived school lunch tray images and to compare results to current trends in middle
school lunch menus. The amount of beef, poultry, other meat, and non-meat components remaining on lunch
trays images post-consumption was estimated to rank order main dishes based on appearance and potential
for food waste. The range of M/MA alternate choices on present day school lunch menus was tabulated to gain
insight into protein source trends for comparison.
Priscilla Conners, PhD, RDN, Darvika Dronavalli, MS candidate.
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Enhancing Food Safety in Family Child Care: Evaluation of a National Toolkit Initiative
December 12, 2025
Food safety within Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sites requires strict adherence to regulations and guidelines to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks. These regulations necessitate protocols such as proper handwashing, temperature control, cleaning, and sanitation to ensure the safety of meals served to vulnerable populations. This study evaluated the acceptance and usage of the Family Child Care Food Safety Kit, developed by the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), among family child care providers and other stakeholders, such as state agencies and sponsoring organizations. While family child care providers were the primary audience, stakeholders provided valuable perspectives on the kit's broader utility and application.
Priscilla Conners, PhD, RDN, Darvika Dronavalli, MS candidate. Ruaa Al Juboori, MBChB, MPH, PhD, Divya Chandran Geetha Kumari, MPH, BDS, Elizabeth J Dixon, MS, Tina Hanes, RD
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Institute of Child Nutrition Applied Research Division Research Update
December 12, 2025
The Institute of Child Nutrition Applied Research Division (ICN ARD), funded through a grant administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services, conducts ongoing research to enhance Child Nutrition Programs. For comprehensive reports on the Applied Research Division's projects, visit https://theicn.org/research/, where you can stay informed and engaged with the latest research in child nutrition from the Applied Research Division.
Marjuyua Lartey Gibson, PhD, RD