Food for Thought Spring 2022

DISTRICT UPDATES

DISTRICT UPDATES

Bringing the Lessons to the Cafeteria By Christine Clarahan, MS, RDN, SNS Director of Food and Nutrition Services School City of Hammond ISNA President Elect

School cafeteria teams can often seem like the “odd man out” when it comes to feeling like, and being, a part of the overall school team. Most kitchen staff report to someone other than the school principal, they receive separate funding, and they have a separate set of regulations to follow. So, how do we bridge the gap and find ways to complement each other’s work (the “school team” plus the “cafeteria team”)? One way is to celebrate what each other is doing. For example, just weeks ago the School City of Hammond’s elementary schools used their cafeteria space to celebrate Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss’s birthday). Students were able to see the Read Across America Day celebrations extend from their classrooms to their cafeterias which showed the school acting as one unified learning space. This collaboration is so important. In order to have the best performing kitchens, it is this author’s opinion that the nutrition professionals have to be considered part of the “school team” by the building’s administration, teachers, and staff. Another great way for the “cafeteria team” to be a part of learning is to have a themed meal that complements the learning from a history class. Recently, Valparaiso Community School’s Jefferson Middle School had a medieval lunch where no silverware was allowed!

What other ways can the cafeteria compliment or expand upon the learning going on in the classrooms? Share your ideas on our Indiana School Nutrition Association Professionals Facebook Group!

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