Friday Focus
March 22, 2024
SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER
Message from the Director
Keeping menus fresh and fun has a direct impact on participation and is critical to the success of child nutrition programs. Kids love the excitement of something new, especially when you create a fun promotion around the new item. Kat's Almost Super Lunch was the perfect way to kick off our new boneless chicken wings! Generating new recipes can be a very creative, sometimes frustrating, process so don't reinvent the wheel. Develop recipes like the pros. Our industry has established a set of critical steps to take when developing new recipes. Start by getting inspired through research and by visiting the local restaurants where your customers eat. Creating something familiar will almost always be accepted better by students. Reinvent a classic with a modern twist. For example, the Carnitas Burrito Bowl is a way to serve an open burrito that students can customize and it doesn't require assembly in advance, making it operationally friendly. Under development now is our top secret Boom Boom Burger Wrap, a cheeseburger concept in a tortilla, not a bun. Once you find inspiration, trial the recipe and write it down on a Recipe Development form. Be sure to write down any adjustments you make each time you test the recipe to perfect the batch. Taste test, often! Aside from tasting delicious, recipes must fit within the operation's labor and equipment capabilities, be affordable and meet the meal pattern. Despite the complexity, recipe development is fun. I love it when Ashley starts dashing through the kitchen like a mad scientist after we brainstorm ideas and starts creating! I also love to taste test, so it's definitely a win win. Susie is inspired by Mexican Street Corn in a Cup and is experimenting with ideas to make this a cold side. What ideas do you have to refresh some of our current menu items?
With gratitude,
Kathy
Dragon Fruit
Dragon Punch is a vegetable juice option on our menus and yes, it really contains dragon fruit! Dragon fruit is fascinating. It grows on a climbing cactus and the flowers only bloom at night and last one evening. The inside of a dragon fruit is a white, semi-solid fruit with tiny black seeds (like kiwi) that can be eaten with a spoon. It is juicy with a slightly sweet taste, whereas the seeds have a nutty flavor. Unlike most fruit, dragon fruit is rich in the iron you need to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body.
Cafeteria Table Cleaning Procedure
Each school has a different set of people assigned to cleaning the cafeteria tables after breakfast, between lunch periods and at the end of the day. Whether it's you that is responsible or custodians or aides, the proper protocol must be followed. Cafe tables are considered food contact surfaces and have specific cleaning instructions. The chart on the RIGHT below shows how to clean tables in between periods with sanitizer when students are present (or will be shortly). The chart on the LEFT shows what to do at the end of the day with germicidal detergent when no students are present. Each cafe manager must insure this process is followed to prevent health inspection violations, no matter who does the cleaning.
IDOE Scrapbook
Check out the link below to open the IDOE photo album of NSBW24 celebrations across the state of Indiana. Not only are we represented, but you can take a look at all the creative ways other schools celebrated breakfast. Kids love having their pictures taken and I really liked the shark photo frame! Student participation continues to be on the rise, a definite win for learning! 🏄🌞🌴
Mexican Street Corn
Congratulations, Erin Brooks!
Erin (R) made the move from VHS to her daughter's school and started a new position at Cooks Corners. I just know that she and Cafe Manager Amber Cruz (L) will make a dynamic duo, even though I'm sure Erin will miss me every day. The high school students are really missing Erin, too, especially at breakfast. You can tell how well she related to them. Are you interested in making a change or looking for more hours? There are two 6 hr. FS Tech positions available at VHS. We have a lot of fun around here...
Promotions
Almost Super
Memorial students schoolwide read the book Almost Super and Cafe Manager Kat Jones created a special lunch to connect with them. The Almost Super Lunch also served to launch the new menu entree, boneless wings and featured a SUPER fruit smoothie bar. #BigHit
Be Our Guest at Heavilin
This is a fun promotion! Jackie will select names from a weekly drawing. Lucky winners get to eat their lunch in the back of the house with staff and take a tour. What an unforgettable way to invite students in to our world!
Hello Spring Break!
Industry News: CREATION GARDENS
From Ashley
This week's topic on health inspection violations we have encountered is: Plumbing Systems. Food service establishments must keep plumbing in good repair. Any time a leak is observed on a plumbing system (faucet, pipes, etc.), report it right away so that I can get a work order into Maintenance to repair the issue. Pictures and videos are always encouraged to accompany a work order. If the faucet drips water when turned off, enter a work order. If the base of the faucet leaks at any time, enter a work order. If the pipes under your 3-compartment sink have a leak, enter a work order. There is no reason to ignore any of the issues mentioned above when we can easily have our wonderful maintenance team out to get these issues fixed. It's what they are here for!
Myth or Fact?
Immediate Care vs. Emergency Room
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.
New for Employees with Anthem Insurance
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
EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS
How to Use Skyward Employee Access
Do you need help or a refresher on how to log in to Skyward Employee Access? The file linked below will take you step by step (with pictures) through this easy process. You need to be able to log in to Skyward Employee Access to request time off, print your check or tax forms. When you view your check, you should review the deductions and be sure they are correct based on what you chose during your enrollment appointment with American Fidelity.
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
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/
FS Tech, VHS, 6 hours *NEW*
FS Tech, VHS, 6 hours
FS Tech, Heavilin, 4 hours
FS Tech, BF Middle, 4.5 hours
FS Tech, Central, 4 hours
2023-24 Calendar
March 25 - 29, 2024 Spring Break (No Work Days)
April 1, 2024 eLearning Weather Make Up Day (Regular Work Day)
April 12, 2024 Half Day, K-12 (Regular Work Day)
May 3, 2024 School Lunch Hero Day!
May 7, 2024 eLearning Day (Regular Work Day)
May 27, 2024 Memorial Day (No Work Day)
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