Support Your Team's Success with Fresh, Local Food

About this Series

The School Food Innovator Series is a virtual quarterly gathering designed for members of the California Food for California Kids® Network. This series showcases innovation in school food leadership across the state and fosters connections between Network members and offers peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

About this Session

In this session, we discussed strategies for involving your staff in recipe and menu development, building relationships with local farmers, and incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your menu planning. LunchAssist presented new strategies for meeting freshly-prepared meal standards. Thank you to our partners and panelists: 

• Chef Josh Gjersand, Culinary Manager, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
   
• Jen McNeil, RDN, SNS, Founder & CEO, LunchAssist
   
• Danielle Rodriguez, Nutrition Services Purchaser, Natomas Unified School District
   
• Kat Soltanmorad, RDN, Food and Nutrition Services Director, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District
   
• Mark Tadros, President, Aziz Farms
   
• Moderator: Janel Wojcik, SNS, Program Manager, LunchAssist