According to the School Nutrition Association, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is the second largest food and nutrition assistance program within the country. Serving on average 30.4 million lunches each day during the school year. With the vast number of students receiving school meals, it is more important than ever, that we are ensuring students are receiving balanced nutritious meals.

Research has well documented the health benefits from consuming a balanced diet; one that is low in saturated fat and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In addition to the many health benefits, students who consume healthy meals are more attentive in class, are able to retain more information and are less likely to be tired. Thus, improving the quality of meals served during the school day is an essential step towards ensuring students are given the opportunity to consume nutritious foods that provide the basis for academic achievement. And the changes that have occurred within the NSLP in recent years focus on helping students receive those benefits.

"Many do not realize the NSLP is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide evidence-based recommendations to promote health, prevent chronic disease and helps people to reach and maintain a healthy weight," states Diane Reinhold, U of I Extension, Nutrition and Wellness Educator. To help schools and foodservice authorities (SFA) in understanding and implementing these changes, the USDA has established professional standards for SFA. These standards allow SFA to receive continuing education and training to aid them in creating nutritious, safe and enjoyable meals. 

University of Illinois Extension has partnered with the Illinois State Board of Education, to offer professional development trainings for school foodservice professionals. The first training will be on Thursday, June 6, 2019, from 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM at the Pearl City High School, 100 South Summit St, Pearl City IL.

The second training will be on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, from 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM, at the South Beloit High School, 245 Prairie Hill Road, South Beloit, IL.

These trainings will provide six hours of USDA Professional Standards credits for the 2019-2020 school year. There is no charge for this training; however, preregistration is required. To learn more about the trainings and to register, call us at (815)235-4125 or visit us online: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw.

Diane Reinhold is a University of Illinois Extension, Nutrition and Wellness Educator and registered dietitian. For more about upcoming programming on nutrition and wellness, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-235-4125.