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School Programs:
School Nutrition Programs

School Nutrition Programs Organization: The School Nutrition Programs unit administers school-based child nutrition programs throughout Montana on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of Public Instruction's Health Enhancement and Safety Division.

School Nutrition Programs include the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Afterschool Snack Program, Special Milk Program, Summer Food Service Program, Food Distribution Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable "Snack" Program, and Cooperative Food Purchase Program. School Nutrition Programs contracts with Montana State University to manage the School Nutrition Assistance Program and Montana Team Nutrition Program. The Montana Team Nutrition Program is funded by the USDA Team Nutrition Training grants.

Mission: To ensure schools provide nutritious meals and promote healthy lifestyles through collaborative education and training, and administration of the USDA School Nutrition Programs

Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Most Requested Information

Free and Reduced
Lunch Data
For currrent free and reduced lunch data, go to:

 IRIS
Select View Reports-->School Directory-->Free/Reduced Eligibility Data.

 Sponsor Applications and Claims

 Cooperative Purchasing

 Food Distribution Ordering Program

 Payments to Schools

School Nutrition Programs

MPRO State Agency Conference

Missoula Convention and Visitors Bureau
Garden City Harvest

CACFP 1 Streamlining Application and Training Systems to Increase Institution Participation and Reduce State Agency Costs

CACFP 2 Serious Deficiency Timelines and Closure of Corrective Action

CACFP 3 Streamlining Sponsor Management Plans and Creating Successful Working Relationships

CACFP 4 Networking with Local and State Quality Rating Systems for Improved Child Care

CACFP 6 Improving Nutrition Quality by Using Menu Evaluation Systems

Civil Rights

Ending Hunger by 2015 – Listening Session

FNS Office of Emergency Management and Food Safety – New Initiatives and Products

Going Green-Sustainable Food Systems

Making a Difference

NSLP 1 Successfully Expanding School Breakfast Programs Breakfast in the Classroom

NSLP 5 Menu Workshop-Helping Schools Meet the Challenge

NSLP 6 Recalculations and the CRE Process

SFSP 1 Oversight Systems, including monitoring

SFSP 2 Partnering with Local Advocacy Groups and Private Non-Profits to Identify and Recruit Sponsors and Sites

SFSP 3 Federal Policy Update H1N1, Hunger and SFSP SAF Basics

SFSP 4 Successful Strategic Timelines to Recruit Sponsors

SFSP 5 Successfully Increasing Participation

Special Dietary Needs

State of the Mountain Plains Region

Using Positive Nutrition and Fitness Messages Five Important Reasons Why Carrots Work Better than Sticks

Cooperative Purchase Program

The Cooperative Food Purchasing Program was developed to provide lower prices to schools on food items for use in school meals programs. This program allows small school districts to take advantage of substantial cost savings. The cost of each food item is the same to all schools in the state regardless of their size or location.

All food items on the bid are screened to ensure quality, nutritional integrity and student acceptability. There are no restrictions on the quantity or type of food the school can order.

 Cooperative Purchase Ordering System

Cooperative Purchase Ordering Instructions for New Ordering System

Cooperative Bid News April 2009

Cooperative Purchase Ordering for Wnter 2009-10

OPI Cooperative Purchase Program Brochure

Peppers

Advisory Bid and Commodity (ABC) Committee

The Advisory Bid & Commodity Committee was initiated in the fall of 2002. The Committee is the voice of Montana school foodservice in decisions regarding the items offered in the Food Distribution Program and OPI Cooperative Purchase Program.

ABC Committee Information and Application for Membership

Farm to School

Farm to SchoolThe OPI Child Nutrition Programs and Montana Team Nutrition support Farm to School efforts throughout Montana. Farm to School programs and activities serve to help connect children to the sources of their food, and in doing so:

  • increase the availability of healthy, locally produced food in the school cafeterias;
  • improve student nutrition;
  • provide nutrition, health and agriculture education opportunities;
  • support local food producers, and;
  • raise a sense of community awareness and involvement in children.

Connecting our Schools to Local Foods: Montana's Farm to School Programs - September 22, 2009 Webinar
Presenters: Katie Bark and Mary Stein, Montana Team Nutrition Program

PowerPoint Presentation

Summary of the 2009 Farm to School Mini Grant Projects

Farm to School Resources


Educators

Rethinking School Lunch: A Curriculum Resource from the Center for Ecoliteracy
The Rethinking School Lunch Program creates a framework for a comprehensive curriculum that integrates campus gardens, kitchen classrooms, school lunch, and a wide range of academic subjects. This program uses a systems approach to address the crisis in childhood obesity, provide nutrition education, and teach ecological knowledge.

The Farmer Grows a Rainbow
This is a set of pre-K through 5th grade activities that were developed in order to
connect Ag in the Classroom activities with the MyPyramid resources from
USDA.

Discover Dairy
An engaging, interactive, cross-curricular, multi-leveled lesson series designed
for upper elementary-aged students. Helps students understand where milk
comes from and the many ways dairy farms contribute to our lives.

Linking Food and the Environment (LiFE ) Curriculum Series
Developed at Teachers College at Columbia University, this series of modules,
intended for students from grades 4-6, promotes scientific habits of mind through
thoughtful, inquiry-based activities that integrate the study of food, food systems,
and environmental and personal health.

Gardening with Kids
Lots of resources for conducting fun and engaging activities with children.

All About Farmer’s Markets: A Teaching Guide for Classrooms, Camps and
Community Programs
This 116 page guide, containing games, songs and activities, helps to children
make the connection between the land, the food we eat, and our health and wellbeing.
Intended for pre-K through 2nd grade.

Fresh from the Farm
This is a teacher’s guide from Time for Kids Magazine. Includes activities
complete with worksheets.

Selection of Books for Elementary Children:

  • Williams-Paisley, Kimberly (with Gurney Williams III) Henry and the Hidden Veggie
    Garden, Silverback Books, Inc. 2008
  • Ehlert, Lois, Growing Vegetable Soup, Harcourt Brace and Company, 1987
  • Gibbons, Gail. The Milk Makers, Aladdin Books, Macmillan Publishing Company, New
    York, 1985.
  • Ehlert, Lois. Eating the Alphabet, Harcourt Brace and Company, Orlando, 1989
Mmm Mmm Montana: Delicious food that is grown right here in Montana Poster
 Mmm Mmm Montana Poster
Classroom or Cafeteria Activities
Montana Food and Farm Trivia
Mmm Pyramid Adventure Activity
THINK TWO Snack Activity
Traditional Uses of the Buffalo
Traditional Uses of the Buffalo Match Game
Traditional Uses of the Buffalo Match Game Answers

The Traditional Uses of the Buffalo activity was developed by United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck ND, and is part of the Buffalo and Native American Wellness Resource. For more information on this resource, go to: http://landgrant.uttc.edu

Food Producers

No information is available at this time

Summary of the 2009 Farm to School Mini Grant Projects

With funding from the 2008 USDA Team Nutrition Training Grant, we were able to fund eight Montana Farm to School Mini Grants for a total of 6,000 to support fart to school related projects.  The grants are designed to support Montana school districts or community organizations in their efforts to develop and implement Farm-to-School Program and that take positive, sustainable action steps to support this effort.  Summary of the 2009 Farm to School Mini Grant Projects

Russell School, Mssoula County Public Schools, Mini-Grant Project
Flyer for the Bike Rally and Local Food Festival
Short video of the Bike Rally and Local Food Festival

School Food Professionals

Mmm Mmm Montana: Delicious food that is grown right here in Montana Poster
Mmm Mmm Montana Poster Classroom or Cafeteria Activities
Montana Food and Farm Trivia
Mmm Pyramid Adventure Activity
THINK TWO Snack Activity
Traditional Uses of the Buffalo
Traditional Uses of the Buffalo Match Game
Traditional Uses of the Buffalo Match Game Answers
 The Traditional Uses of the Buffalo activity was developed by United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck ND, and is part of the Buffalo and Native American Wellness Resource. For more information on this resource, go to: http://landgrant.uttc.edu

Miscellaneous Resources
School Garden Q&A for School Food Service

Links to Montana Food Producers
Abundant Montana: AERO’s Directory to Sustainably Grown Montana Food
Montana Vendor List from Farm to Cafeteria Connections (Grow Montana)
Montana Department of Commerce: Made in Montana Program (food/beverage list)

Fundraising Activities

Schools often rely on fundraising activities to supplement budgets and pay for equipment, supplies and events. Unfortunately, these fundraisers often include the sale of unhealthy foods. OPI School Nutrition Programs and Montana Team Nutrition recognize the importance of addressing the availability of healthy food options throughout the school environment, including school fundraising.

Here you will find sample resources to help your school implement a fundraising program that raises money through the sale of Montana-made healthy food products. The sample resources you will find here were developed through the pilot offering of this Montana Farm to School Fundraising Program, conducted in the fall of 2008. Feel free to adapt these resources for your needs to develop a fundraising program in your school/district.

Food Distribution Commodity Program

WheatThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Distribution or “Commodity Foods” Program provides foods such as meats, vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy products to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The USDA purchases these foods through direct appropriations from Congress, and under surplus removal and price support activities.

The USDA administers the program at the federal level. At the state level, the Food Distribution Program is administered by the School Nutrition Programs, Office of Public Instruction, which operates the program through agreements with local school districts.

School districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program are to incorporate the commodity foods received into the school lunch menu on a routine basis.

USDA Food Order Instructions
Processing Allocation Fair Share Cases
Additional Processed Food Pilot Program
King Command EPDS
Smuckers EPDS
Tyson EPDS A
Tyson EPDS B

 enter the Food Distribution Ordering Program

2 girlsForms and Guidelines

The Office of Public Instruction offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Afterschool Snack Program, and Special Milk Program (SMP) to Montana's public and private schools, as well as Residential Child Care Institutions.

Administrative Update for Schools 2009-10

Contacts:
Teresa Motlas, R.D., 406.444.3532
Brenda Peppers, 406.444.4413

Afterschool Program Packet

Civil Rights

Food Service

Free and Reduced-Price School Meals

Income Eligibility Guidelines

Meal Counting and Claiming

Residential Child Care Institutions

School Breakfast Program Packets

Special Milk Program

Special Provision 2

Verification

Disclaimer; These Word forms are made available for your district's use. They are NOT OPI Forms. You are free to alter or tailor the form to your district's needs. OPI will not be responsible for the contents of the document. OPI does not provide support on how to use Microsoft products.

Warning: Microsoft Word documents may contain malicious macro viruses. To prevent the possibility of downloading a virus, you should have modern virus protection installed, have virus definitions up-to-date, and the latest operating system patches installed prior to downloading documents from any web site or e-mail.

Nutrition Education Resources

The links below will lead you to age-appropriate and accurate nutrition education resources and lesson plans. Click on one of the following categories to find information specific to your needs.

Preschool

Childcare Nutrition Resource Center Team Nutrition
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=14&tax_level=1
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/childcare.html
These two websites contain a wealth of nutrition resources designed for childcare providers and early childhood educators to teach young chldren healthy eating and physical activity habits.

Eat Smart Play Hard™
http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhard/
This interactive website is about encouraging and teaching kids and adults to eat healthy and be physically active everyday. The website also contains links to a wide variety of resources and tools for teaching young children.

Healthy Start: Wellness Concepts and Behaviors
www.healthy-start.com/prog_healthy.html
Here you will find terrific age-appropriate materials to teach healthy lifestyles to preschoolers. Concepts are presented in the context of songs, stories, rhymes, art projects and other activities.

Kids Health in the Classroom
http://classroom.kidshealth.org/
This website has curriculum materials, categorized by grades, covering many areas of health.

KID-FIT: Physical Education Classes for Preschoolers
http://kid-fit.com/
KID-FIT provides preschool children, their primary caretakers, and educators a structured curriculum for promoting healthy lifestyle habits.

PBS Teacher Source: Health and Fitness
www.pbs.org/teachersource/healthandfitness
Here you will find lesson plans and online activities on many health and fitness topic – plus professional development opportunities tied to PBS programming!

Nutrition Explorations
http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/educators/lessons-main.asp
At this website you will find fun, hands-on, and interactive activities from the National Dairy Council. Specific age-appropriate lessons are available for pre-k to upper elementary grades.

Dole 5-A-Day
http://www.dole5aday.com
There is an extensive teacher section to this website. Here you will find resources and lesson plans to encourage children to increase their consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables. The “Jammin’ 5-A-Day Songs” are a must!

MyPyramid Lessons from University of Missouri Extension
http://extension.missouri.edu/fnep/teaching.htm
Here you will find lesson plans on MyPyramid. Materials are free to download and you will also find links to other great resources.

Elementary K-2

Eat Smart Be Smart: Teaching Nutrition through Math, Science, Language Arts and Health Enhancement Curriculum Guide
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/CurriculumGuides/NutritionEd/
This Montana made curriculum contains a total of 36 lessons (6 per grade level) for grades K-5. Check out the K-2 lessons which not only teach children important nutrition concepts on healthful eating but also reinforce math, science, language art skills. Each lesson is designed for a 30-40 minute time frame.

My Pyramid for Kids (USDA - Team Nutrition)
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/resources/mypyramidclassroom.html
This website links you to educational materials developed at the elementary school level to help children learn the MyPyramid food guidance system. Lesson plans for teachers are available in three levels: Level 1 (grades 1-2); Level 2 (grades 3-4); and Level 3 (grades 5-6).

Nutrition Explorations
http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/educators/lessons-main.asp
At this website you will find fun, hands-on, and interactive activities from the National Dairy Council. Specific age-appropriate lessons are available for pre-k to upper elementary grades.

Pick a Better Snack™ & Act
www.idph.state.ia.us/pickabettersnack/teachers.asp
Here you will find a series of 10 minute lessons that cover MyPyramid, seasonal fruit and vegetables, physical activity and more. Reproducible masters of classroom activities are available here.

Organwise Guys
http://www.organwiseguys.com/
This award winning website has evaluated materials that have been proven effective in helping kids understand the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. There are some free preview materials. Cost for ordering materials.

Cooking with Kids New Mexico
www.cookingwithkids.net
This site contains many downloadable lessons that support multiple curriculum areas including math, science, social studies, language arts, music and art. Materials are available in English and Spanish. A complete curriculum is available for purchase.

MyPyramid Lessons from University of Missouri Extension
http://extension.missouri.edu/fnep/teaching.htm
Here you will find lesson plans on MyPyramid. Materials are free to download and you will also find links to other great resources.

PBS Teacher Source: Health and Fitness
www.pbs.org/teachersource/healthandfitness
Here you will find lesson plans and online activities on many health and fitness topic – plus professional development opportunities tied to PBS programming!

Elementary 3-5

Eat Smart Be Smart: Teaching Nutrition through Math, Science, Language Arts and Health Enhancement Curriculum Guide
 This Montana made curriculum contains a total of 36 lessons (6 per grade level) for grades K-5. Check out the K-2 lessons which not only teach children important nutrition concepts on healthful eating but also reinforce math, science, language art skills. Each lesson is designed for a 30-40 minute time frame.

My Pyramid for Kids
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/resources/mypyramidclassroom.html This website links you to educational materials developed at the elementary school level to help children learn the MyPyramid food guidance system. Lesson plans for teachers are available in three levels: Level 1 (grades 1-2); Level 2 (grades 3-4); and Level 3 (grades 5-6).

Nutrition Explorations
http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/educators/lessons-main.asp At this website you will find fun, hands-on, and interactive activities from the National Dairy Council. Specific age-appropriate lessons are available for pre-k to upper elementary grades.

Ready, Set, FIT!
www.readysetfit.org Here you will find a curriculum (developed in 2006) on balancing physical activity, healthy eating and emotional well-being. Sponsored by the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP.

WIN the Rockies Kids Lessons
http://www.uwyo.edu/WINTHEROCKIES_EDUR/WINKidsLessons.asp Here you will find thirteen nutrition, physical activity and body image lessons. Lessons are appropriate for classroom and non-classroom settings and are aligned to national (as well as ID, MT & WY) health education standards. Pre- and post- assessment tools are included.

Pick a Better Snack™ & Act
www.idph.state.ia.us/pickabettersnack/teachers.asp Here you will find a series of 10 minute lessons that cover MyPyramid, seasonal fruit and vegetables, physical activity and more. Reproducible masters of classroom activities are available here.

MyPyramid Lessons from University of Missouri Extension
http://extension.missouri.edu/fnep/teaching.htm Here you will find lesson plans on MyPyramid. Materials are free to download and you will also find links to other great resources.

PBS Teacher Source: Health and Fitness
www.pbs.org/teachersource/healthandfitness Here you will find lesson plans and online activities on many health and fitness topic – plus professional development opportunities tied to PBS programming!

Kidnetic.com
http://kidnetic.com/ Kidnetic.com is a healthy eating and active living Web site for kids ages 9-12 and their families. The site is intended to encourage kids and their parents to begin the process of behavior change toward healthy lifestyles.

Kidnetic.com Leader’s Guide: Healthy Eating and Active Living Ideas and Activities for Kids and Families
http://ific.org/kidnetic The Leader’s Guide, based on the content and energy of Kidnetic.com, offers 13 peer-reviewed modules, appropriate for use in community-based health education programs.

What’s Cooking in the Classroom Curriculum
http://www.rutgers.njfsnep.org/edu_materials/default.asp Here you will find curriculum materials that cover nutrition concepts through language arts and heritage storytelling lessons. Lessons were designed by teachers and health professionals.

Middle School 6-8

WIN the Rockies Kids Lessons
http://www.uwyo.edu/WINTHEROCKIES_EDUR/WINKidsLessons.asp
Here you will find thirteen nutrition, physical activity and body image lessons. Lessons are appropriate for classroom and non-classroom settings and are aligned to national (as well as ID, MT & WY) health education standards. Pre- and post- assessment tools are included.

MyPyramid Lessons from University of Missouri Extension
http://extension.missouri.edu/fnep/teaching.htm
Here you will find lesson plans on MyPyramid. Materials are free to download and you will also find links to other great resources.

Eat to Be Fit: Nutrition Informational Handouts --
Eat to be Fit is a series of twelve informational handouts for teenagers. These handouts address various nutrition topics that were identified by teens to be of most interest and importance to them.
http://www.opi.mt.gov/Programs/HealthTopics/index.html

Your Own Healthy Eating Style Curriculum
This Montana made curriculum is geared for grade 6-8 students and contains six lesson plans that addresses healthy eating strategies, active living and healthy body image.
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/health/bodyimagecurr.pdf

Agriculture in the Classroom
http://www.agclassroom.org/
Agriculture in the Classroom is program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture with the goal of helping students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in society and in their lives. This site has links to quality information as well as terrific science fair ideas!

PBS Teacher Source Health and Fitness
www.pbs.org/teachersource/healthandfitness
Here you will find lesson plans and online activities on many health and fitness topic – plus professional development opportunities tied to PBS programming!

Kidnetic.com
http://kidnetic.com/
Kidnetic.com is a healthy eating and active living Web site for kids ages 9-12 and their families. The site is intended to encourage kids and their parents to begin the process of behavior change toward healthy lifestyles.

Kidnetic.com Leader’s Guide: Healthy Eating and Active Living Ideas and Activities for Kids and Families
http://ific.org/kidnetic/
The Leader’s Guide, based on the content and energy of Kidnetic.com, offers 13 peer-reviewed modules, appropriate for use in community-based health education programs.

Discovering the Food System: An Experiential Learning Program for Young and Inquiring Minds
http://foodsys.cce.cornell.edu
Here you will find an online curriculum for youth ages 12 to 18. Curriculum investigates the entire food system from farm to table and how we, as eaters, are involved in this system. Entire program is downloadable and free!

Center for Young Women’s Health Nutrition and Fitness
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/nutrition_menu.html
The Center for Young Women’s Health at Children’s Hospital Boston provides teen girls and young women with carefully researched health information. There is lots of great information on general nutrition, sports nutrition, overall fitness and eating disorders.

High School 9-12

Nutrition Essentials:
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/nut_essentials.pdf
This 2007 resource from USDA’s Team Nutrition contains lesson plans, student worksheets, informational handouts and more to help students make food and physical activity choices that support healthy living. Hard copies of this resource have been sent to schools enrolled in the Team Nutrition program. The entire document is also available online as a pdf file.

Eat to Be Fit: Nutrition Informational Handouts --
Eat to be Fit is a series of twelve informational handouts for teenagers. These handouts address various nutrition topics that were identified by teens to be of most interest and importance to them.
http://www.opi.mt.gov/Health/fit.html

California Project LEAN Resource Library
http://www.californiaprojectlean.org/resourcelibrary/
Here you will find several terrific resources. Jump Start Teens is a series of lesson plans for teens on nutrition and physical activity – these resources have been recently updated. Playing the Policy Game Advocacy Guide is a tool kit intended to help teens interested in making policy change supporting healthy eating and active living.

Nutrition Education for Texas
http://netx.squaremeals.org
Here you will find quick links to lesson plans and nutrition information for many topics and grade levels. All materials align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Kids Health in the Classroom
http://classroom.kidshealth.org/
This website has curriculum materials, categorized by grades, covering many areas of health.

PBS Teacher Source: Health and Fitness
www.pbs.org/teachersource/healthandfitness
Here you will find lesson plans and online activities on many health and fitness topic – plus professional development opportunities tied to PBS programming!

Center for Young Women’s Health: Nutrition and Fitness
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/nutrition_menu.html
The Center for Young Women’s Health at Children’s Hospital Boston provides teen girls and young women with carefully researched health information. There is lots of great information on general nutrition, sports nutrition, overall fitness and eating disorders.

Discovering the Food System: An Experiential Learning Program for Young and Inquiring Minds
http://foodsys.cce.cornell.edu
Here you will find an online curriculum for youth ages 12 to 18. Curriculum investigates the entire food system from farm to table and how we, as eaters, are involved in this system. Entire program is downloadable and free!

Destination Wellness: You’re in the Driver’s Seat
www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/schoolnutrition/Destination_Wellness.htm
Here you will find eight lessons that are aligned with national standards for health education in nutrition for high school students. Lessons are interactive and include a variety of hands-on activities.

Feeding Minds Fighting Hunger
(from the Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations)
http://www.feedingminds.org/
Here you will find a virtual classroom with excellent lesson plans addressing the global problems of hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity. The site contains lesson plans, resources and even an interactive forum for students to exchange information with students around the globe.

USDA-FNS Child Nutrition Materials Database
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/schoolmeals/Resource_Cafe/Resource_Search.php
This site will link you to free and other materials from a wide variety of resources. It has a search function that allows you to search for materials according to target audience, publication dates, topic and more.

Parents

Eat Smart Play Hard Healthy Lifestyle
http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhardhealthylifestyle/
This site is specifically designed for parents and caregivers to provide information to help you eat better, be more physically active and be a role model for your kids.

Team Nutrition: Information for Parents
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/parents.html
Team Nutrition, the nutrition education arm of the school meals program, recognizes the importance role parents play in helping children develop healthy lifestyles. This website links you to a wide variety of Team Nutrition materials and information.

Action for Healthy Kids
http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/
Action for Healthy Kids is the only nonprofit organization formed specifically to address the epidemic of overweight, undernourished and sedentary youth by focusing on changes at school. At this website you will find many resources including an entire section dedicated to school wellness policies (Wellness Policy Tool).

MyPyramid
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
The MyPyramid Food Guidance System is the interactive healthy eating campaign to help children and adults make positive change toward healthier living. This site has links to the many interactive aspects of MyPyramid as well as links to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Get Growing From The Ground Up!
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Educators/Garden/index.html
This website supports community institutions and partners to play an important role in influencing children's attitudes and behaviors about food and nutrition. It provides ideas for llinking schools and communities by participating directly in local Team Nutrition activities and reinforcing Team Nutrition's healthy eating and physical activity messages.

Team Up at Home: Team Nutrition Activity Booklet
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/teamupbooklet.html
This is a collection of hands-on nutrition education activities for parents to use with their school-age children. This 36-page activity booklet is in a reproducible format for classroom and community use. Printed: May 2007 (revised)

Kidnetic.com Real-Life Guide for Parents: Helping Your Kids Eat Right and Be Active
http://ific.org/publications/brochures/parentsguide.cfm
This Guide from Kidnetic.com is packed with fun, easy—and even time-saving—ideas and tips that can help you lead your kids down the path to a lifetime of healthful habits.

School Wellness Policies
http://www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org/
As of the fall of 2007, all schools in the U.S. that participate in the National School Meals Program were required to have a School Wellness Policy in Place. Learn more about what a school wellness policy means and how schools are implementing these new policies.

Center for Young Women’s Health: Nutrition and Fitness
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/nutrition_menu.html
The Center for Young Women’s Health at Children’s Hospital Boston provides teen girls and young women with carefully researched health information. There is lots of great information on general nutrition, sports nutrition, overall fitness and eating disorders.

National Eatings Disorders Association: Parent Information
http://www.edap.org/
This website has an abundance of accurate information on eating disorders. Under the “Resources” link, there is a section called “Resources for Parents and Family Members”.

School Food Professionals

School Meals
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/
This is the main website for all USDA school meals programs.

Team Nutrition
http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/
Team Nutrition is an initiative of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to support the Child Nutrition Programs through training and technical assistance for foodservice, nutrition education for children and their caregivers, and school and community support for healthy eating and physical activity.

Healthy Meals Resource System
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=14&tax_level=1 External Link
At this site is a wide array of information for individuals working within school-based child nutrition programs.

Eat Smart Play Hard
http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhard/
This is the main link to USDA’s campaign to help children eat healthfully and live active lifestyles. Click on the “Professionals Making it Happen” link to find resources and materials to incorporate nutrition education within your foodservice program.

MyPyramid
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
The MyPyramid Food Guidance System is the interactive healthy eating campaign to help children and adults make positive change toward healthier living. This site has links to the many interactive aspects of MyPyramid as well as links to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Eat SmartPlay Hard TM Cafeteria Kit

Eat Smart, Farm Fresh
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Guidance/Farm-to-School-Guidance_12-19-2005.pdf
This document is a guide to buying and serving locally grown produce in school meals.

Farm to School Procurement Information Package
http://www.foodsecurity.org/procurement.html
This resource from the Community Food Security Coalition provides guidance and resources to school foodservice programs looking to increase the amount of local food offered in their school meals.

HealthierUS School Challenge
Here you will find criteria, instructions and the application packet for the HealthierUS School Challenge Program. This program was put in place to encourage schools to achieve excellence relative to healthy school meals and an environment that supports active living.

Making It Happen: School Nutrition Success Stories
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/nutrition/Making-It-Happen/
This resource, developed through the Centers for Disease Control, illustrates a wide variety of approaches that schools have taken to improve student nutrition. The information is presented as case studies of school nutrition success stories from around the country.

Food Safety School Action Guide
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/foodsafety/actionguide.htm
Brought to you by CDC and its partners in the National Coalition for Food-Safe Schools, the Action Guide can help schools identify gaps in food safety and develop an action plan for becoming food-safe.

Media

Food and Nutrition Service Newsroom
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/newsroom.htm
Here you will be linked to current US nutrition news and also have access to an extensive news archive.

Action for Healthy Kids Newsroom
http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/newsroom.php
At the “newsroom” section of the Action for Healthy Kids website, you can find archived news releases, research-based facts and findings on the topics of children’s learning and health and wellness; recent articles that feature Action for Healthy Kids; and monthly newsletters.

Eat Right Montana: Healthy Families Packets
http://www.eatrightmontana.org/eatrighthealthyfamilies.htm
This link will bring you to monthly media packets covering various aspects of healthy eating and active living. Media packets include a cover letter, two educational handouts and a press release.

HealthierUS School Challenge
Each year, more and more Montana schools apply for recognition through the HealthierUS School Challenge program. This website explains the program clearly and will provide important background information for local newspapers covering an award in their region.

Farm to School
http://www.farmtoschool.org/
As Farm to School programs rapidly gain popularity in Montana, this website will help to explain the many facets of a farm to school program. Media groups can find key information by clicking on the Resources link and finds answers to frequently asked questions about Farm to School.

Food Safety and Nutrition Newsroom
http://www.ific.org/newsroom/
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) has created a section of their website dedicated to providing journalists with science-based information and guidance on food safety issues and stories. Not only are there links to recent press releases, journalists will also have access to a section on “Tips for Reporting on Food Safety, Nutrition and Health”.

National Eating Disorders Association: Press Room
http://www.edap.org
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest not-for-profit organization in the United States working to prevent eating disorders and provide treatment referrals to those suffering from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder and those concerned with body image and weight issues. Their website has a link to their press room where they have posted media contact information and guidance for journalists covering the difficult topic of eating disorders.

Resources

Breakfast

Dietary Guidelines

General Resources

Team Nutrition

thermometerSchool HACCP/Food Safety

In 2004, as passed in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, each Local Educational Agency (LEA) is required to implement a Food Safety Program Based on the Process Approach to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Principles by July 1, 2005. The requirements included in the law apply to all schools participating in the School Nutrition Programs (e.g. National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Special Milk Program).

The Montana Office of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Program’s staff is very proud of the food safety and sanitation practices followed by Montana school food service program staff, as witnessed during scheduled audits or annual visits. State Agency staff will provide regular training and technical assistance on School-Based HACCP to school personnel via regional and statewide workshops, Montana Lunchline electronic list serve and individual school visits.

USDA Guidance for School Food Authorities

Developing a School Food Service Program Based on the Process Approach to HACCP Principles

Under this same Act, it is also required that School Food Authorities receive two food safety inspections from the local county sanitarian each year. Food Service Authorities are encouraged to send a written request to their local county sanitarian inviting them to inspect their program to meet this new requirement. Utilize the sample memorandum on school stationary in corresponding with local sanitarians.
Letter to Request Sanitation Inspection

Schools should have a Food Safety -HACCP Plan started by the end of school year 2005-06. The USDA recognizes that HACCP is a process that takes time, and that LEAs may be in different stages of readiness by the end of the school year. Education and training is a critical step and the foundation of implementing an effective food safety plan. It is recommended that schools follow the steps outlined in this handout:
Steps to Developing a Food Safety/HACCP Plan

Education and Training Opportunities

The Office of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Programs has partnered with other food safety stakeholders to meet common food safety training needs and requirements in Montana. The Montana School-Based HACCP Partnership Team includes the Office of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Programs, Montana State University (MSU) Extension Food and Nutrition, Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), the Montana Department of Livestock and MSU College of Agriculture.

Serving It Safe, 3rd Edition provides foodservice personnel at all levels with an up-to-date source of information for managing a safe and sanitary foodservice operation. Use this resource to train a new employee or as a basis of an in-service on a review of important key food safety concept for all employees.
http://nfsmi-web01.nfsmi.olemiss.edu/ResourceOverview.aspx?ID=327

ServSafe Training Schedule

  • ServSafe Food Safety Training 8 hour* - Certification This intensive ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Training of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) will give foodservice managers the knowledge they need to understand HACCP concepts. Participants are given an in-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation. The certification is good for 5 years and must be retaken every five years as recommended by the NRA.
  • ServSafeFood Safety Training 4 hour - Employee This basic ServSafe Training of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) will give foodservice employees the knowledge they need to understand the basics of food safety and sanitation. This class is recommended for all employees and should be taken immediately upon employment or within the first year of employment. It should be taken every five years as recommended by the NRA.

*Foodservice Managers are required to be ServSafe certified prior to attending a School HACCP training.

ServSafe Class Schedule and Contact Information
Go To: Official ServSafe Web Site

School Food Safety - HACCP Workshops

Regional and statewide training sessions are offered throughout the school year. There is no charge for attending these workshops. They are conducted by a team of trainers from OPI, MSU Extension and a local county health department (sanitarian).

Training workshops are based on materials developed by the National Food Service Management Institute (http://www.nfsmi.org/) They include:

Workshop Participant Workbook:
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/schoolfood/HACCP/developing_fs_wkbk.pdf

Montana Workshops PowerPoint Slide Presentation
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/schoolfood/HACCP/HACCPFall06dev_fs.pdf

Food Safety - HACCP Plan Templates and Resources

Based on the NFSMI materials, a school can utilize the following items to develop their plan:

Montana Template Plan:
http://www.opi.mt.gov/Pdf/SchoolFood/HACCP/Version11-06dev_fs.doc

Montana Standardized Recipe Form
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/SchoolFood/Forms/FS/StandardRecipeForm.doc

USDA's Recipes for schools (2006 version)
http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/usda_recipes.html

Food Storage Temperature Monthly Log Chart:
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/schoolfood/HACCP/FoodStorageTemp.pdf

HACCP Based Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): (from NFSMI)
http://sop.nfsmi.org/HACCPBasedSOPs.php

Types of Food Thermometers:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/food_safety_education/Types_of_Food_Thermometers/index.asp

Food Temperature Chart:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/thermy

National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI):
http://www.nfsmi.org

Choice Plus Food Safety Supplement
http://nfsmi-web01.nfsmi.olemiss.edu/DocumentDownload.aspx?id=142

FDA Food Code:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/default.htm

FDA Food Safety
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov

A Biosecurity Checklist for School Foodservice Programs
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/hsmrs/biosecurity.pdf

ACDA Food Safety/Food Defense Response Plan
http://www.commodityfoods.org/files/FOOD SAFETY RESPONSE PLAN.doc

Noroviruses and Food Handlers:
http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/schoolfood/NorovirusesFoodHandlers.pdf