Menu Planning is the key to success for all school meal programs. With well-planned menus, a program will meet state and federal guidelines, plan purchasing and scheduling efficiently, and teach its customers-the students-to value, crave, and pursue healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
TDA's Training Connections released a course on Menu Planning in May 2008. Each regional Education Service Center offers Menu Planning training provided by Child Nutrition Specialists through summer workshops. Click the link below to view the current schedule of training available through the Education Service Centers.
Education Service Center Training
Additionally, USDA maintains a Web page for Menu Planning training resources. Click the link below to access this site.
USDA Menu Planning Training
The Food and Nutrition Division Training Unit develops and conducts program and nutrition training designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and comply with the requirements of U.S. Department of Agriculture programs managed by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Schedule of Training offered through the Educational Service Centers
Special Nutrition Program training sessions
Civil rights training is an annual requirement for everyone funded, in part or whole, by Child Nutrition.
To assist with this requirement, we have a civil rights training video available. After viewing the video, you can take a short quiz and then print a Certificate of Training. Click the link below to view the video.
Civil Rights Training Video
The following documents are also available for use with civil rights training: an introductory skit, a PowerPoint presentation, and FNS 113-1. The Food and Nutrition Compliance Unit developed both the skit and the presentation. The presentation is available in 2 formats. The full version contains 49 slides and can be used for a comprehensive training session. The 2-part version contains about 25 slides each and is available for those who offer training in a 2-session format. FNS 113-1 can be used for handouts as it is referenced on several slides of the presentation.
If you have any questions regarding this training, or any of the associated materials, please contact the Food and Nutrition Division at (888) TEX-KIDS.
Introductory Skit (English)
Introductory Skit (Spanish)
Civil Rights Presentation-Full Version (English)
Civil Rights Presentation-Full Version (Spanish)
Civil Rights Presentation-Part 1 of 2 (English)
Civil Rights Presentation-Part 2 of 2 (English)
FNS 113-1 (English)
Your Child Nutrition Program probably has a Web site, but is it effective when it comes to promoting your program and good nutrition? According to Food Service directors like Michael Rosenberger of the Irving Independent School District, the secret to creating an effective Web site is to look at it from the parent's point of view.
"You need to find out what's important to them and then address those issues," said Rosenberger.
To provide what parents want, Web sites should include the following:
Menu Listings: This is the number one interest of parents. The menu should be easy to find and easy to read. The Austin Independent School District offers a good example available at: www.austinisd.org/schools/menus. (Also see the "School Toolbox" of this e-newsletter for Web sites with downloadable menu templates.)
Nutrient Analysis of School Meals: Nutritional information is also high on parents' minds, "especially parents with kids who have type I diabetes and other health issues," said June Hayman, a nutritionist with the Austin ISD. Hayman places each menu item in a grid that provides information on calories and essential nutrients, which you'll find at www.austinisd.org/schools/menus.
Interactivity and Visual Appeal: The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District raises the bar when it comes to interactivity and visual appeal. This past fall, the district launched the "Virtual Cafeteria," which is the first school-sponsored interactive program of its kind in the country to promote child nutrition. Check it out at http://studentnutrition.cfbisd.edu/content/home.aspx.
Recipes and General Nutritional and Product Information: The Irving Independent School District (www.irvingisd.net/foodservices/default.htm) provides a good example of a Web site that's rich in useful information beyond menu details. "Parents said they wanted information that was fun and educational," said Rosenberger. The information helps parents and students maintain a healthy diet outside of school.
Program Information: A basic overview of the program and staff phone numbers are essential. 
