Child Nutrition “Mixing Nutritious with Delicious…and Fun” Alhambra Elementary School District No. 68

School Demographics K-8 School District 15 Elementary Schools 14,000 Student Enrollment 94% Free and Reduced

Personnel Chart Child Nutrition Department Director, Specialist, Secretary, Nutritionist, Procurement Clerk, Revenue/Payroll Clerk, and Special Activities Manager Warehouse Manager, 2 Full-time Drivers,1 Part- time Driver, and Floor-care Technician 14 Site Kitchens Managers, Bakers, Cooks, Clerks, Assistants, and Custodial Assistants 1 Receiving Kitchen Manager, Clerks, Assistants, and Custodial Assistant

Our goal is to offer: A wide variety of well-balanced meals that meet or exceed the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” An appetizing and eye appealing menu A comfortable and relaxed atmosphere in the cafeteria where social skills and manners can be practiced Nutrition education

5 week cycle menu Traditional style service in all cafeterias Provision II breakfast at 9 sites Salad bars at our middle schools Breakfast & Lunch Program

Our menu provides….. scratch cooking which allows for creativity and beneficial nutritional modifications to be made as needed a variety of cuisines such as American, Asian, Italian, and Mexican a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables available seasonally low fat and reduced sodium items at both breakfast and lunch 100% whole grain products such as breads, pancakes, and tortillas

5,000 breakfasts served daily 11,800 lunches served daily Preschool programs & after school snacks served daily Nutrition education & resources available to parents and students Breakfast and Lunch offered at all schools

Breakfast Participation

Lunch Participation

Fun Facts Student Taste Testing – get buy-in from students on new food items. Have the school principal include a special recognition to Ms. Lee’s class who helped approve the new menu item

Promotions Earn points from manufacturer food cases. Order pencils, water bottles, footballs, etc. and hold a lucky tray day for different events such as NSBW-NSLW, etc. Hold contests to increase breakfast or lunch participation for the month. Highest increase at the top 4 schools, 1 student from each school received a new bicycle. Market this on your monthly menus and website

Tony the Tiger coloring contest to increase attendance at breakfast Promotions

Ideas Invite students to learn how to bake and become familiar with the café and staff; such as baking teddy bear loaves Culinary Classes to make food for students Tie your program into current social studies curriculum - Food around the world ceremonies Student workers Invite head start classes in FFVP program helps students identify new items and then incorporate into your program meals

Ideas Serve breakfast for lunch. Big hit with students. Avoid menu fatigue. Try new food items often. Monitor often with plate waste and communicating with students for approval.

Café Environment Make the café inviting for students by: Knowing your students by their names and using them Welcome the students with a smile and a compliment Provide great customer service Provide a warm and welcoming environment with colorful, fun posters and decorations

Marketing & Nutrition Education is Key On the back of each monthly menu fun and interesting nutrition information is provided. Nutrition bulletin boards are placed in every cafeteria which offer useful information and healthy recipes fun for kids. “Nutrition Nuggets” and “Teen Fitness” are posted on the Child Nutrition website for parents as well as students to reference and gain new insight. Good open communication with parents, conducting nutrition education presentations to help them – we are the leaders who understand and want the best interest of their kids – market your program…its great!

Bagel 20 Years Ago Today 3-inch diameter 140 calories ??? calories A bagel 20 years ago was 3 inches in diameter and had 140 calories. How many calories do you think are in today's bagel?

If you clean your house for 50 minutes you will burn approximately 210 calories.* 50 minutes ! *Based on a 130-pound person.

French Fries 20 Years Ago Today 2.4 ounces of French fries of 20 years ago had 210 calories. How many calories do you think are in today's portion? ounces 210 calories ??? calories

Take Home Moment Conduct Student Taste Testing and focus on students likes instead of serving multiple daily entrees Make it fun for students – have promotions No menu fatigue - don’t be afraid to try something new Attractive Menus, fun food titles and branding Good communication with parents Consider Breakfast in the Classroom (can double or triple participation instantly), a Grab and Go breakfast, or a Provision II program Consider Community Eligibility Program (CEP) or Universal free meals Add A La Carte Sales, if district permits