Our team of former School Nutrition Directors recognizes the challenges our colleagues face in understanding and implementing all of the regulations of the federal child nutrition programs. From this recognition, an organization was born: LunchAssist. It was founded on the notion that School Nutrition Professionals need more support - in all areas of operations. And that support should be simple, relevant, and inspiring. Today, LunchAssist helps School Nutrition Professionals around the country navigate complex regulations, and empowers them to return their primary focus to what matters most - feeding children well. LunchAssist Angela Gomez, RDN, SNS & Jennifer McNeil, RDN, SNS
Civil Rights: “Just Feed the Kids”
We’ve all heard it, and probably said it before, “just feed the kids.” Throughout the pandemic, supply chain issues, labor shortages, natural disasters, and tragedies on school campuses - School Nutrition Professionals have always focused on “just feeding the kids”. It’s what we do! But in 22 states, government officials are actively attempting to make it legal for School Nutrition Professionals to discriminate against, and deny meals to LGBTQIA+ students. Say what? We’re not joking. Twenty-two Attorney Generals joined a lawsuit against the USDA over its (long overdue) update to the nondiscrimination statement, which now protects gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Every year we complete Civil Rights Training that reinforces our mission to “just feed the kids” - regardless of the identities they hold, the color of their skin, the country they come from, the religion they follow, or the disabilities they have. Cafeterias are and have always been a sacred, safe space where students can access a nourishing meal, a friendly hello, and the caring attention of an adult whose only mission is to make sure they get a full belly. #humblebrag
process any discrimination complaints. (Login to LunchAssist PRO for downloadable policies & procedure templates!) 9. List either the short or long non-discrimination statement on all program materials. 10. Train all staff on Civil Rights every. single. year!
Updated Civil rights training is available for F-R-E-E in English and Spanish, courtesy of LunchAssist!
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https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OStv4Gh5KR4
So here are 10 ways we can continue to uphold Civil Rights:
1. Hang the updated “And Justice for All” poster everywhere meals are served. 2. Provide food substitutions for students with disabilities. (Want to learn more about accommodating special diets? Login to LunchAssist PRO for Special Diet training videos and resources!) 3. Plan culturally relevant meals that celebrate the diversity of our students and their families. 4. Translate things like applications, menus, and notification letters. 5. Notify the public that school meals are available and how families can become eligible for free meals. 6. Collect racial and ethnic data on our student population. 7. Provide good customer service to all students and families. 8. Update Civil Rights Complaint Procedures and appoint a Civil Rights Coordinator who can help
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=y9iL4y6dhdA
If there is one thing we want our colleagues to remember, it’s that all students deserve access to school meals no matter who they are, where they live, what language(s) they speak, what they look like, if they have a disability, if their families are rich or poor, if they are a boy or a girl, or if they are gender nonconforming. As School Nutrition Professionals, we proudly welcome all students to our cafeterias!
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