Chef Ann Foundation’s Post

NEW REPORT: We worked with the California School Nutrition Association in partnership with Food Insight Group to conduct the first study of K–12 school food staff shortages in California. The study revealed the rate of unfilled positions in the state’s school food programs is three times higher than unfilled positions for U.S. public school teachers. High vacancy rates negatively impact schools’ ability to provide access to and serve students healthy, appetizing meals. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eaP-sSq7

A recent online survey was conducted to capture views from stakeholders (headteachers, teachers, parents, and pupils) across the four UK nations about primary school food systems. The survey explored what works well, the challenges faced, and what an ideal primary school food system should include. Key findings were: ▶️ There were consistent views on aspects like the range of healthy options, costs, and portion sizes offered to pupils. ▶️ Parents had varying opinions, with some appreciating the healthy options while others felt there were too many unhealthy choices. ▶️ Challenges included the cost of school food and funding issues. ▶️ An ideal school food system (according to parents) would offer a wide variety of fresh healthy food made on-site, use quality produce, cater to all cultures and diets, and provide appropriate portion sizes for different age groups. Read more: https://bit.ly/3y6Cifp #SchoolFood #PrimarySchoolFood #IdealSchoolFood

It's time to address the stark reality ⚠️ Too many children are still missing out on the delicious, nutritious school food they deserve. 🥗 Now more than ever, we need a reform that unlocks the full potential of the school food system. School Food Matters is rallying for a government-led overhaul of school food policy and funding. Ensuring access to nutritious meals is not merely about filling bellies; it's an investment in the future. 🌱 By championing free school meals, we have the power to positively impact the diet, health, and educational attainment of the next generation. 📚 Why it Matters: - A well-nourished child is a focused learner. - Good nutrition fosters academic success. - A healthy start paves the way for a happy, productive life. Let's unite in advocacy for change! 🌈 Share this post, raise awareness, and let's ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make a difference! 💪👦👧 #SchoolFoodMatters #NutritionForAll #EducateToEmpower 🌍✨ https://loom.ly/kWLrb7k

Get to know these local food perspectives.

🍲 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 = 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 👨🎓 Our food & wellness programs form the very backbone of support that disadvantaged students need in order to attend school. For many families living with food insecurity, this program makes the difference between sending their children to class, or out to work to help put food on the table. In the next few posts, we’ll examine the impact of this crucial program, from daily school meals to food banks that have been developed with a laser focus on families living with the direst food insecurity. In total across all our food programs last year ... 🍚 66 tons of rice 🍗 13 tons of meat 🥕 17 tons of vegetable ... were consumed. That’s a whole lot of nutrition going where it’s needed most! Watch the video to see where our food program first began: daily meals, available to the +700 students at our rural school locations. Because with full tummies, kids can stay in class and focus on the lesson. Because Food = School … and #schoolistheanswer 💛

Later today we will be with the British Nutrition Foundation discussing A-level food. 🥕 We'll be with government, higher education, teachers & other NGOs to address a number of issues. 🥦 We will be representing food teachers & food teaching! 🍍 Here's to better food teaching! #FoodEdToday

Falling in love with real food goes beyond cafeteria halls, it happens in the school garden and classrooms, too. The best part? Our friends at the National Farm to School Network found that students that participated in real food education saw an enhanced overall academic achievement in K-12 settings, including grades and test scores. What do you think is the link between food education and improved test scores? Let us know what you think in the comments below. #foodeducation #cookingmatters #farmtoschool #realfood #nutrition

California has invested heavily in the school food system to support healthy and successful students, a resilient and climate-smart agricultural sector, and thriving economies. However, the state’s School Food Authorities are persistently underemployed. Recruiting and retaining labor also continues to be a barrier to serving fresh, healthy meals for many school food programs. To understand this issue further, the Chef Ann Foundation and the CALIFORNIA SCHOOL NUTRITION ASSOCIATION INC partnered with Food Insight Group to conduct a statewide survey of school nutrition services departments during the 2022–23 school year. Food service directors from 190 of California’s 1,018 School Food Authorities reported vacancy and turnover data along with their perspectives on staffing challenges and opportunities. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eaP-sSq7

Are you an RDN or NDTR in need of CPE? 🙋 Don't miss the free CPE articles in the May issue of JAND! 🔹 Effects of Inclusion of Food Purchase Restrictions and Incentives in a Food Benefit Program on Diet Quality and Food Purchasing: Results From a Randomized Trial 🔸 SNAP-Ed Programming for College Students Experiencing Food Insecurity: A Qualitative Process-Focused Evaluation Check them out today: sm.eatright.org/May24JAND

College food insecurity is a growing crisis, with more than 50% of students on some campuses struggling to access nutritious meals. While campus food pantries, meal-sharing apps, and partnerships with local businesses are helpful, the most important step is for university leaders to take concrete actions to ensure the well-being of students and faculty. By advocating for improved SNAP access, on-campus food production, policy reforms, and ongoing food security assessments, institutions can significantly reduce food insecurity on campus. Learn more in this insightful article by the NYC Food Policy Center.