Blazing New Trails: Healthy Meals Incentives School Food System Transformation Panel

by elise | Apr 21, 2026 | Stories

In this session from the Action for Healthy Kids Healthy Meals Incentives November Summit, moderator Marlon Gordon leads a conversation with experts from the Illinois Public Health Institute, Boise State University, the Chef Ann Foundation, and Full Plates Full...

The Good School Food Project: A Recipe For Student-Approved Meals

by elise | Apr 21, 2026 | Stories

“Buy Local, Cook Fresh Illinois” is a comprehensive training project helping three rural Central Illinois schools transform their food service programs into scratch-cooking operations that use locally sourced ingredients. The cohort approach allows participants...

Building Capacity for Values-Aligned School Meals through Culinary Education Partnerships

by elise | Apr 21, 2026 | Stories

In this session from the Action for Healthy Kids Healthy Meals Incentives November Summit, REAP Food Group presents on their efforts to strengthen school meal programs by building kitchen capacity, developing internship opportunities for local college students, and...

Use Promotional Day Serves to Highlight Local Foods

by elise | Jan 10, 2024

Work with the food industry on promotional serves during recognition and awareness months that could highlight a specific local food.

Seasoning Bar

by elise | Jan 10, 2024

Work with a food industry partner to offer a “seasoning bar” or “flavor station” with salt-free herbs and spices. Example  Rochester County School District   Resources  What’s Shaking in School Meals   Best Practice: Flavor Stations   Serving...