ICN RESOURCES | SUPPORTING WELLNESS
REFLECTING FOR GROWTH Reflection is essential for growth. Before diving headfirst into January, reflect on the year’s successes and challenges. This practice helps identify areas for growth, set achievable goals, and implement innovative strategies for the upcoming year. Engaging in reflective practices provides valuable insights and fresh perspectives. This process of introspection helps make informed decisions, adapt to changes, and develop effective plans to address the unique needs of your program. PLANNING FOR SUCCESS Taking time to plan and prepare sets the foundation for a successful year. Begin by setting clear goals and objectives aligned with the overall vision of your program. Consider the latest research, trends, and best practices to ensure that initiatives promote good nutrition and overall well-being. Collaborate with colleagues to brainstorm innovative ideas and strategies. Dedicating time to planning ensures a smooth and productive start. In the demanding field of child nutrition, taking time to recharge is key. By prioritizing self-care, practicing the pause, taking deep breaths, engaging in reflection, and purposeful planning, you can enter 2024 with renewed energy and a fresh perspective. Before the year begins, give yourself the gift of recharging and embrace the transformation it brings to your journey in child nutrition. The Institute of Child Nutrition is here to support child nutrition success all year long. Free research- based education and training resources are available in a variety of topics designed to help child nutrition professionals meet the daily challenges of operating a successful program. Allow us to help you recharge and support your 2024 goals! Take time this year to participate in our training, attend monthly webinars, listen to podcasts, watch culinary videos, locate a new standardized recipe, or subscribe to our newsletters.
School nutrition professionals across the nation have been working non-stop with preparing and serving nutritious meals for students. Support staff health and wellness with these tips to encourage positive workplace well-being for staff. BEST WAYS FOR PROMOTING EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN SCHOOL NUTRITION
“Best Ways for Promoting Employee Health and Wellness”
PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Post stress management tips throughout the workplace to support a positive work environment.
Encourage social interactive activities during breaks, like a short walk or start a recipe sharing club.
Empower employees to set attainable, short-term health goals
TIPS
Offer incentives for employees who achieve health goals
Create a quiet space for self-guided meditation sessions
SHOWING STAFF APPRECIATION
Promote School Lunch Hero Day
Reward employees when they maintain or accomplish new skills, high-performance, and professional certifications and credentials
Host employee of the month or hall of fame celebrations
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
This project was funded using U.S. Department of Agriculture grant funds. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. The University of Mississippi is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. For more information and the nondiscrimination statement in other languages: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cr/fns-nondiscrimination-statement Except as provided below, you may freely use the text and information contained in this document for non-profit or educational use with no cost to the participant for the training providing the following credit is included. These materials may not be incorporated into other websites or textbooks and may not be sold. Suggested Reference Citation: Institute of Child Nutrition. (2022). Best ways for promoting employee health and wellness in school nutrition . University, MS: Author. The photographs and images in this document may be owned by third parties and used by the University of Mississippi under a licensing agreement. The university cannot, therefore, grant
permission to use these images. Please contact helpdesk@theicn.org for more information. © 2022, Institute of Child Nutrition, The University of Mississippi, School of Applied Sciences
08/18/2022
OCTOBER MEALTIME MEMO “Staff and Workplace Wellness”
Child Nutrition Professionals Wellness Initiative
ICN offers free, self-paced, online courses through iLearn. A large catalog of courses and recorded webinars is dedicated to delivering research- based training. View ICN’s iLearn Brochure for more information.
Below are some ICN Wellness iLearn Courses you can access here:
Wellness Wednesday – Physical Activity and Sleep
Wellness Wednesday – The Importance of Mental Health and Strategies for Effective Stress Management
Subscribe to ICN Newsletters and Resource Update Emails Here!
The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), part of the School of Applied Sciences at The University of Mississippi, is the only federally funded national center dedicated to applied research, education and training, and technical assistance for child nutrition programs. The Institute’s mission is to provide information and services that promote the continuous improvement of child nutrition programs. ICN Website
Heather Burkhead-Goins | Education and Training Specialist, 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 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 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 (ERS), assisting in the formation of the KY ALL STARS.
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