Purpose/Objectives: "Cooking for Kids," a culinary training program, conducted a needs assessment with key personnel in Oklahoma school nutrition programs to better understand the current training and resource needs of this population. Additionally, the needs assessment assessed barriers to accessing current training interventions…

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the enablers and barriers to implementation of local school wellness (LSW) policies in Massachusetts schools. Findings will help inform the development of resources to support school nutrition directors and other important stakeholders who have the potential to influence implementation of these…

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the current practices used in school nutrition programs to prevent intentional acts of food contamination or tampering with food. Methods: A convenience sample of school districts (n=2023) was randomly selected, representing two states from each of the seven USDA regions. School food…

Purpose/Objectives: This study explores what school catering staff (nutrition program personnel) in the United Kingdom (UK) perceive to influence adolescents' food choices during the school day with observational research at school dining centers. Methods: Three middle schools in Wales, United Kingdom took part in the triangulated qualitative…

Purpose: The USDA requires children with food allergies be offered modified menus with no additional meal reimbursement. Food allergies affect up to 8% of children in the U.S.; eight allergens account for over 90% of allergic reactions. This study assessed perceptions of child nutrition program menu planners in California, a state with a high and…

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine types and frequency of local food products purchased by schools as part of FTS programs and to identify whether differences in purchasing exist relative to school size (number of lunches served). Methods: A valid and reliable questionnaire was developed from qualitative interviews with…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Good Food for Oxford Schools (GFOS) program by assessing perceptions of Child Nutrition Program (CNP) staff. This evaluation was completed to provide insights to support continued quality improvement of the program, and to explore the potential impact of the program on the students and teachers in the…

Purpose/Objectives: This paper describes the results from a Smarter Lunchroom program designed to evaluate if bundling fruit or vegetable strategies listed on the Smarter Lunchroom Scorecard increased selection of fruits and vegetables by students in school cafeterias from 2015 to 2017. Methods: Twenty-one Michigan State University (MSU) Extension…

Purpose/Objectives: Children with developmental disorders may require texture-modified diets. The purpose of this study was to determine if materials developed by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) are feasible for use by child nutrition personnel. Methods: Researchers created training materials based on IDDSI…

Purpose/Objectives: This study explored food traceability systems in school foodservice in the United States and the potential benefits and challenges to their implementation. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed and used to collect data. A mixed-mode approach was followed to recruit the participants. A convenience sample of 500 school…

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the "Team Up for School Nutrition Success" pilot initiative, conducted by the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), on meeting the objectives of the individual action plans created by school food authorities (SFAs) during the workshop. The action plans could address improving…

Purpose/Objectives: Farm to school (FTS) programs have many benefits, including potential for increased consumption of fruits and vegetables by students. However, there are challenges with hourly school nutrition employees' abilities to successfully process local produce and promote it to students. The purpose of this study was to identify…

Purposes/Objectives: Fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption may aid in childhood obesity prevention. F/V consumption in youth is low. School-based salad bars (SBs) may improve F/V access in youth. The purpose of this study was to explore administrative and school nutrition personnel perspectives related to adoption and continued implementation of…

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of the project was to develop a research based resource to support SN professionals in effectively utilizing KPIs to manage their programs. Methods: This project consisted of four phases. In Phase 1, a think tank of eight school nutrition professionals identified the general topic areas and format for the resource.…

Purpose/Objectives: To meet new USDA school meal standards, school nutrition programs may need to transition from a "heat and serve" meal preparation approach to increased scratch cooking and use of fresh, whole foods. This study aims to assess the attitudes, motivations, and barriers for Montana school nutrition professionals and key…