Friday Focus
December 8, 2023
SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER
Message From the Director
Our program undergoes reviews and inspections from many agencies including the Indiana Department of Education, the State Board of Accounts, USDA, Porter Co. Health Department and the local Fire Marshall. Each inspection is to check our compliance with the particular regulations they are charged to enforce. That means we need to learn, follow and juggle a complex set of rules as we produce and serve a million healthy meals each year. Currently, the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) is auditing our program. One area they look at closely is the approval process for free and reduced price meal benefits. Remember, just one incorrectly approved application could cost tax payers $1,190 annually. Now consider the possibility of every public school in the U.S. making just one mistake like this. The cost would be $119 million every year, which helps explain why this area is taken so seriously. We are fortunate to have Laura who does an exceptional job overseeing the processing of applications, qualifying direct certification matches and conducting the formal verification process. She is accurate, knowledgeable, but more importantly, compassionate when helping families understand how to qualify for meal benefits. Thank you, Laura! 👏👏👏
With gratitude,
Kathy
student taste testing event
Cafe Managers evaluated and approved Nippon Shokken products, especially the low sodium orange sauce, for use in our menus. Amber Cruz scheduled an amazing student taste testing for Monday, December 11th at Cooks Corners to listen to what our customers have to say. There is no better way to increase participation than by finding out what your customers want. Are you interested in doing a taste testing promotion? Click here for free resources you can order from USDA.
smart snacks in school federal regulation
The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 requires USDA to establish nutrition standards for all foods sold at school during the school day. The Smart Snacks in School regulation applies to food and beverages sold a la carte, in the school store, vending machines, and any other venues where food is sold to students. Fundraisers are limited, too, and have their own set of rules. Food and beverages must meet specific nutrition requirements to be a "Smart Snack." In addition, each school district is required to develop a Wellness Policy which may impose stricter limits. The VCS Wellness Policy is located here.
vhs menu specials
VHS launched December lunch specials this week featuring a Grilled Buffalo Chicken Burrito and Popcorn Chicken Bowl. They broke their old record and served 1309 entrees! It was nothing short of impressive to watch the production teams change procedure and roll out high volume meals without a hitch. Thanks to Patty Jordan who calmly adjusted batch cooking forecasts after each lunch period to seamlessly keep all stations fully stocked. I am so proud of how everyone planned in advance and came together to deliver incredible service! Anyone walking through the back of the house saw professionals at their best.
Meals per Labor Hour (MPLH)
The Indiana Department of Education recommends using MPLH as an important metric when determining the productivity of food service operations. MPLH can help determine how many employees or how many scheduled hours per employee are needed daily, supporting budgeting for labor needs. View IDOE's MPLH Resource for more information.- Take a look at how GREEN everyone is...you're doing a great job!
elf on the shelf for foodies
For those doing Elf on the Shelf in their kitchens, cafeterias or at home, this one made me laugh out loud.
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY'S THANK A FARMER THURSDAY
Brunch with Santa Catering
Kat Jones and Stephanie Nagy worked last Saturday to cater a pancake and sausage Santa Brunch at Memorial. It's been awhile since we've catered, but the event was a huge success. Really beautiful job, Kat and Steph, you are no longer on the naughty list. 😁
from ashley
Good Morning! Please keep in mind that if you picked a tag off of the angel tree in the office, items are due back to me on or before Monday, December 11! Items should be turned in unwrapped, you may attach gift receipts if you wish. If you are unable to fulfill your tag, please message me privately and we will take care of it. Thank you all!!
INDUSTRY NEWS: Red Gold
We are proud to serve and support local foods, including the ketchup, salsa and marinara sauce on our menus. The owners of Red Gold, the Reichart family in Elwood, Indiana, are committed to having the best quality tomatoes, employees, growers, and customer service in the industry and is now the only remaining tomato canner left in Indiana. By putting all of their focus into tomatoes and only tomatoes, Red Gold has become famous across the nation. In addition, when we purchase these products, Red Gold donates a portion of profits to the Folds of Honor program supporting disabled and fallen American Military members and First Responders.
Special Donation for YOU!
Our HR Coordinator, Nicole Biehn, made a special Viking Hunger Hero donation by paying for all school nutrition staff, including substitutes, to wear jeans on Thursday, December 21. What a kind and thoughtful idea that not only helps students, but is something special for you. You can wear holiday shirts with your jeans on this day, too. Thank you, Nicole!
financial check up
Valparaiso Community Schools continually strives to offer and educate staff about our unique and advantageous benefits. One such benefit is our elective retirement savings plan(s) that employees can utilize to help provide financial security at retirement. To ensure you receive information about this benefit, we are pleased to provide you with a newsletter (below) that has been prepared by the compliance administrator for our plan(s), U.S. OMNI & TSACG Compliance Services (OMNI/TSACG). In addition to providing information about our plan(s), OMNI/TSACG also offers a Financial Wellness website that covers areas such as managing personal finances, college funding options, and how to navigate Social Security when the time comes. You will find calculators, videos, and informative content on various topics to help guide you in your planning process.
free employee assistance program
Your Perspectives EAP is here to provide confidential, no-cost support for you and your family 24/7.
Call or text 800.456.6327 to schedule an appointment with a counselor or contact us for in-the-moment support.
Use the “Live Chat” feature on your Perspectives Online Portal to instant message with a counselor 7 a.m.-9 p.m. CST Mon.-Fri. (Remember to use your unique Access Code, and your Password is perspectives
Here’s how to access your EAP:
Access Code: valpo
Resources
Digital Resources
Open Positions
Non-employees can apply by completing an online application as an External Applicant here: https://www.applitrack.com/valpo/onlineapp/
Production Lead, VHS, 6.5 hours
FS Tech, Heavilin, 4 hours
FS Tech, BF Middle, 4.5 hours
FS Tech, Central, 4 hours
FS Tech, VHS, 4 hours
2023-24 Calendar
December 21, 2023 Half Day K-12 (Regular Work Day)
December 22 - January 5, 2024 Holiday Break (No Work Days)
January 8, 2024 Classes resume (Regular Work Day)
January 15, 2024 MLK Day (No Work Day)
February 16, 2024 Mid Winter Break (No Work Day)
February 19, 2024 Presidents' Day (No Work Day)
March 25 - 29, 2024 Spring Break (No Work Days)
2024-25 Calendar
Did you miss an issue of Friday Focus?
https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1221036&type=d&pREC_ID=1455849
About Us
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Email: kkane@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/nutrition
Location: 2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385
Phone: (219) 531-3050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValpoSchoolFood
Twitter: @ValpoSchoolFood