On Monday, April 8 there will be a total solar eclipse and most schools are incorporating the event into their day. Take a look at how Luda's promotion is playing a part with a blast from the past item! Throughout time, ancient cultures created different beliefs to describe the cause of an eclipse which are at once sad, funny, frightening and hopeful. Many legends center around something swallowing the sun like a dragon (China), giant frog (Vietnam) or wolf (Norway). Other stories tell of great romantic chases across the sky (Tahiti, Germany, Australia). The Greeks and Incas believed the gods were angry with humans and threatened to take the sun away from them. The North American Chippewa shot flaming arrows toward the sky to rekindle an ailing sun. Despite witnessing the exact same event, people came away with different interpretations. This happens a lot on the job, too. It is not uncommon to hear several versions of how to do something which in turn causes confusion and mistakes. Always get the information from your supervisor who is the highly trained expert on production procedures and eager to help you. And FYI...the next total solar eclipse that will be seen from the United States will be in August of 2044. Happy *safe* viewing! 👓
With gratitude,
Kathy
We. Want. YOU to work our Summer Food Service Program: Sun Meals! All employees must submit the attached application if interested in working over the summer to provide meals to students attending Summer School, to the public during designated serving times, and to our BRAND NEW community partner (that I am SO very excited about....) The Boys & Girls Club of Valparaiso Summer Campers!! Employees will receive their regular hourly wage during the summer. All time worked is considered "extra time" and you won't have to use sick or personal days if you can't work certain days. Applications are due to Ashley by Friday, April 19, 2024. There will be a mandatory training session on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm at VHS in room Purple 202. Please feel free to reach out to Ashley with ANY questions!
A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that for schools participating in Community Eligibility Provision there was a decrease in obesity prevalence in students, compared with schools that did not participate in the free meal program. Researchers write that "these findings add to the growing literature showing benefits of universal free school meals for child well-being. Such policies represent a promising strategy for addressing childhood obesity."
Full Story: HealthDay News (3/18)
You already know that our menus must contain five vegetable subgroups each week. The dark green group includes raw leafy greens which can be tricky to understand. Raw leafy greens like romaine lettuce or spinach only credit as half of the volume served, i.e., ½ cup of raw leafy greens credits as ¼ cup of the vegetables component. In order to meet a 1/2 cup required serving, one full cup of raw leafy greens must be served.
Chef Kent Nanni from Unox visited VHS on Monday to demonstrate the Cheftop all in one oven. It can steam, air fry, bake, smoke and within 60 seconds transform to a holding cabinet. This oven is boilerless and not as prone to breakdowns caused by extremely hard water. Unox was founded in Padua, Italy, with U.S. headquarters located in Denver, North Carolina. Unox is the second largest manufacturer of combi ovens in the world.
Summer EBT is now SUN Bucks
Many children lose free and reduced-price meals during the summer and their caregivers may need help putting food on the table. Funded by USDA and the State of Indiana, Indiana SUN Bucks is a new and permanent benefit program that provides families $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries while school is out for the summer. Student eligibility information will be collected from from National School Lunch Program (NSLP) operating schools through Data Exchange (DEX).
This week's topic on health inspection violations we have encountered is: Covering Waste Receptacles. Often, when taking out trash, we flip open the heavy lid to a dumpster, throw our trash in and walk away. Right? WRONG! Covering waste receptacles is a simple yet effective measure to maintain sanitation, prevent health hazards, and comply with regulatory requirements in food service establishments. Ensuring that waste receptacles are closed at all times, increases the prevention of pest infestation, helps contain odors within the receptacle, and aesthetically, it looks nicer to see a closed container than a heaping mound of garbage, right? It is a district wide effort from many to ensure we are following codes set in place by our county Health Department. If you notice a lid open, stop by and push it closed. If it proves to be a frequent issue, speak with your building administrator about your concerns to work as a team to solve the concern.
All VCS employees, whether they have Anthem insurance or not, are eligible to use Immediate Care of St. Mary's Medical Center for non-life threatening emergencies. The visit is free for employees with Anthem insurance and $93 for employees without Anthem. Considering that the average ER visit in Indiana costs $1,618.00, this may be a good option for you and your family. Read more below and contact Haley Jones, Benefit Assistant at ext. 1136 if you have questions or need more information.
From Haley Jones, Benefits Assistant
Not feeling well and don't want to leave the comfort of your home?
LiveHealth Online is a great option. This service offers a $0 copay to all Anthem subscribers and covered dependents. Doctors are available 24/7 on your computer or mobile device. This is for non-emergency medical issues only.
Click HERE to create an account online or go directly through your Sydney App to access LiveHealth Online. (Please be sure to have your Member ID available.)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
219-531-3000 ext. 1136
Non-employees can apply by completing an online application as an External Applicant here: https://www.applitrack.com/valpo/onlineapp/
FS Tech, VHS, 6 hours (Hot Foods)
FS Tech, VHS, 6 hours (Deli)
FS Tech, Heavilin, 4 hours
FS Tech, BF Middle, 4.5 hours
FS Tech, Central, 4 hours
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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