Operating a nutritionally-balanced food service program within budget is becoming increasingly difficult. At one time, actual meal costs were less than the Federal reimbursement for free and reduced lunches. This payment schedule allowed schools to keep lunch prices low for paying students while still operating a financially sound and viable program. Now, food costs have skyrocketed, while reimbursement rates have remained stagnant. In response, most schools have had to raise the rates they charge to paying students. Even with that increase, very few schools are able to run their program without subsidizing it to some extent from the general fund. Changes in USDA guidelines and other Federal programs have brought about important ways in which schools can save meal and labor costs, generate previously-untapped revenue, and increase their flexibility in the practical and administrative aspects of food services. Unfortunately, many of these options are not well-publicized to school administrators, or come with complex formulas and increased paperwork to an already-overburdened staff. Even in schools fortunate enough to have a full-time Food Service Director on staff, the daily tasks involved in menu planning, food purchasing and preparation do not allow time to gain the necessary expertise and understanding of all the nuances involved in operating a program at maximum efficiency. For a fraction of the cost of hiring additional personnel, the school district gains access to our Child Nutrition Management staff. Our professional staff includes experts in the field who have provided technical assistance to Oklahoma school districts for over ten years. Our services are designed to get the cooks back to cooking and focus administrative tasks on local concerns while operating a wholesome, nutritional program at maximum cost efficiency.
Child Nutrition Basic Package includes:
- Financial Management Analysis — An assessment of the needs and financial status of the school's child nutrition program. Evaluate child nutrition expenditures and revenue options. Analyze food and labor costs. Establish staffing needs that are standard for food service. Establish meals that are cost effective.
- Free and Reduced Applications — Assist in the identification of all students possible who qualify. Technical assistance with child nutrition claims ensures that school report the accurate numbers to the maximum extent possible. Considering all the different Federal programs which utilize the school's free/reduced population in determining eligibility, each previously-unidentified student represents thousands of dollars in formula and discretionary grant monies.
- Severe Need Assistance — Many schools either do not apply or do not fully take advantage of the formula, resulting in thousands of unclaimed dollars. Our services determine eligibility, complete the required application and cost allocation study, and provide technical assistance to help the school receive the maximum funding available.
Many schools are also including NuMenus or Assisted NuMenus, a new opportunity to comply with the USDA's School Meals Initiative while providing increased flexibility in menu planning and food purchasing. This service maximizes local needs and resources. Technical assistance includes development and analysis of school cycle menus, standardization of recipes, nutritional facts data collection and establishment of computer-generated food production records.
Our staff also includes ASFSA-certified instructors who can provide Professional Development training in classes applicable toward ASFSA certification in Safety and Sanitation. Other valuable topics include Food Production - how to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of the meals served. We offer valuable training for the Food Service Director as well front-line cafeteria workers.
For more information on Child Nutrition Management, contact Linda Kennedy or call Lou at the main office.
