When families feel informed and included, participation increases and so does trust. Supporting this expanded role is the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), which equips school nutrition professionals with the tools they need to go beyond the cafeteria. Through free professional development opportunities, including live and on-demand webinars, face- to-face trainings, and a robust library of practical resources, the ICN helps programs strengthen their outreach efforts, improve communication strategies, and implement innovative approaches to address food insecurity. Whether building staff capacity or introducing new engagement strategies, ICN’s evidence-based trainings empower teams to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities. Ultimately, school nutrition programs are uniquely positioned to serve as hubs of care and connection. By addressing food insecurity, engaging families, collaborating with community partners, and leveraging trusted resources like ICN, school nutrition programs are helping to build stronger, healthier communities one meal, one relationship, and one initiative at a time. Looking for More Support? Visit theicn.org to access ICN’s trainings, resources, and tools. Questions? Contact the ICN Help Desk via email at helpdesk@theicn. org or by phone at 18003213054.
At the heart of this transformation is a shift from service to engagement. Nutrition teams are no longer just preparing meals; they are also building relationships. Through initiatives such as mobile meal distribution, summer feeding sites, and assistance with weekend backpack programs, schools are closing critical gaps for children and families who may otherwise face inconsistent access to nutritious food. These efforts ensure that support doesn’t end when the school day does. Equally impactful are partnerships with local organizations, farms, and food banks. By collaborating with community stakeholders, school nutrition programs can expand their reach and resources while supporting local economies. Farm-to-school initiatives, for example, not only provide fresh, seasonal produce but also create
opportunities for students and families to learn about the origins of their food, thereby deepening their appreciation for nutrition and sustainability. Parent engagement is another creative ways to involve families, from hosting taste-testing events and nutrition workshops to sharing simple, budget-friendly recipes that can be replicated at home. These efforts empower parents as partners in their children’s health, reinforcing healthy habits beyond the school setting. Communication plays a key role in bridging the gap between schools and communities. Social media, newsletters, and multilingual outreach strategies help ensure that families are cornerstone of meaningful impact. Schools are finding aware of available resources and feel welcome in the conversation.
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Heather Burkhead-Goins | Institute of Child Nutrition Heather has over 25 years of experience in early childhood, special education, nutrition, preschool administration, and undergraduate adult learning. She currently serves as an Education and Training Specialist for the Institute of Child Nutrition, focusing on resources for federal child nutrition programs. Her vast experience includes serving as a child nutrition consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education (KY DOE); director of Head Start, afterschool, and family child care; and as a state-licensed rater for Environmental Rating Scales (ETS), assisting in the formation of the KY ALL STARS.
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