Nuts & Bolts of School Nutrition Programs Continuation Series

Are you looking to increase your knowledge about and ability to implement the USDA National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs?  This free online training series presented by the Education Specialists from the Office for Food and Nutrition Programs at DESE provides a deeper dive into the program requirements for SY22-23.

At the end of each session, you will have access to a survey and certificate of training. The certificate of training will note the hours earned towards your professional standards requirement (SLCs: Suggested Learning Codes).

Are you looking to increase your knowledge about and ability to implement the USDA National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs?  This free online training series presented by the Education Specialists from the Office for Food and Nutrition Programs at DESE provides a deeper dive into the program requirements for SY22-23.

Live webinars will take place from 2 pm to 3 pm on the third Tuesday of each month.

At the end of each session, you will have access to a survey and certificate of training. The certificate of training will note the hours earned towards your professional standards requirement (SLCs: Suggested Learning Codes).  Please note: The presentation portion of each webinar will be recorded. The Q & A portion of each webinar will only be available during the live session. Recordings will be available on the JSI website approximately 1 week after the live presentation. Registration is required to attend the live webinars via Zoom. Register once and receive reminders about all the sessions in the Continuation Series.

Upcoming School Year 2022 – 2023  Live Webinars

School Year 2022 – 2023 Recorded Webinars

Recorded on September 20, 2022- click here to view
This session will break down step by step how to complete production records so they contain all the information needed to demonstrate meal pattern compliance and guide future food preparation needs. Information will be geared towards all food service positions and provide strategies on how to make sure production records are collaborative, complete, and accurate. Participants will learn why production records are the most important tool in the kitchen. – 0.5 CEUs, Suggested Learning Codes: 2000, 2120

Recorded on October 18, 2022 – click here to view
In this session we will review the different ways in which schools can participate in afterschool meal programs. Afterschool meals promote the health and well-being of children and youth in local communities by providing nutritious meals and snacks and filling the afternoon hunger gap for children and teens. When school is out and parents are still at work, children need a safe place to be with their friends, with structured activities, supportive adults, and good nutrition. Participants who attend this online session will understand eligibility requirements, the available meal patterns, and which meal options are available under the different programs. – 0.5 CEUs, Suggested Learning Codes: 1100, 4120

Recorded on November 15, 2022 – click here to view
This webinar will review how to complete the Verification Collection Report that is due on December 16, 2022. It will include a review of each section and provide tips to avoid errors. – 0.75 CEUs, Suggested Learning Codes: 3000, 3100

Recorded on December 20, 2022 – click here to view
Most schools have a general complaint process in place, but did you know that complaints about School Meals have special requirements? Join us for a session that will walk you through how you can develop a policy and process to respond to minor concerns and more significant complaints of civil rights violations. – 0.5 CEUs, Suggested Learning Code: 3000

Recorded on January 17, 2023 – click here to view
Why should I start my procurement for School Year 23/24 today? By this time of the year most of our to-do-lists are filled with day-to-day operational tasks necessary to maintain your program’s momentum for the current school year. But now is the right time to spend your time and energy beginning the procurement process for NEXT school year. You might be asking “How should I begin?” The key is allowing adequate time to plan/prepare which will help you make better procurements and ensure you receive the products you want, for the best price. Still not sure? Join us for a crash course in what you need to be doing now to get ready for SY23/24. – 0.75 CEUs, Suggested Learning Codes: 3300, 3350

Recorded on February 21, 2023 – click here to view 
Join us for a “back to basics” review of each spend option for maximizing your entitlement dollars. Each spend option will be thoroughly explained to help you make the most informed plan for the next school year! – 0.5 CEUs, Suggested Learning Code: 1170

      • USDA Foods and Developing an Entitlement Spending Plan
      • DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
      • Processing/Diversion
      • Brown Box

Recorded on April 18, 2023 – click here to view
Creating a culture of health and wellness in schools is a collaborative effort. This online session will provide participants with tips for building and sustaining an active wellness committee. The session will also highlight the importance of the Local Wellness Policy, its requirements, and how to properly assess a policy. This training will set you up for School Wellness Success! – 0.5 CEUS, Suggested Learning Code: 4160

School Year 2021 – 2022 Recorded Webinars

Recorded on January 18, 2022 – click here to view
Procurement reviews are a specialized monitoring activity that districts can be selected for in addition to their Administrative Review. Ensuring your procurement practices are in line with regulations long before being selected is key to being prepared. Join us to learn steps you can take today to prepare for a procurement review! – 0.75 CEUs, Suggested Learning Code: 3350 

Recorded on January 18, 2022 – click here to view
Boost your participation and community engagement through effective communication about the availability of School Meal Programs! We will discuss the role and requirements for the Public Release, accommodations for parents and students with Limited English Proficiency and visual or auditory disabilities. Bring your challenges and questions on how to apply these Civil Rights program requirements in the real world. – 0.5 CEUs, Suggested Learning Codes: 4000, 4100 

Recorded on April 19, 2022 – click here to view
This session will be tailored to fit the needs of RCCCs. We will highlight the Top 10 reminders for RCCCs to ensure safe and compliant operation of Child Nutrition Programs. Topics covered will range from how to navigate the security portal, meal counting and claiming, meal pattern and menu compliance, food safety, professional development, and the importance of teamwork and communication. – 0.75 CEUS, Suggested Learning Codes: 1100, 2310

Recorded on August 26, 2021 – click here to view
This presentation will give you the tools to appropriately handle meal modification requests. You will learn why modifications are required, appropriate modifications, and how to communicate modifications to your school community. 0.5 CEUS, Suggested Learning Code: 1160

Recorded on April 20, 2020 – click here to view
Learn more about navigating the purchasing do’s and don’ts when considering buying locally. – 0.5 CEUS, Suggested Learning Codes: 1130

For districts using these sessions for group trainings, please read the instructions and email the attendance sheet to JSI at johnstalker@framingham.edu to receive a group certificate of training.  

Questions specific to content included in the Nuts & Bolts of School Nutrition Programs Continuation Series sessions may be submitted via Ask DESE Anything.