URBANA, Ill. — School meal programs play an important role in helping students stay healthy and ready to learn. To make sure these meals are safe and nutritious, school nutrition staff need regular training.
Federal rules by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 require staff to complete job-related training each year to stay up to date on food safety, nutrition, and foodservice operations.
To help meet these rules, University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois State Board of Education worked together to create the ABCs of School Nutrition program, which offers free, easy-to-access training opportunities for school nutrition professionals across Illinois. Training is available both online and in person, and counts for USDA Professional Standards credits.
“Strong school nutrition programs start with well-prepared staff. Through the ABCs of School Nutrition, we’re providing practical, research-based training that school professionals can use right away in their daily work,” said Beth Peralta, Illinois Extension's senior manager for digital nutrition education.
The online program, developed by Illinois Extension dietitians and food service professionals, includes 27 self-paced lessons on topics such as reducing salt and added sugars, using local foods, reducing food waste, engaging students, and improving service in school cafeterias. In 2025, more than 2,500 people completed the online courses.
The program's in-person and live webinar trainings serve nearly 1,000 professionals each year. Participants include cafeteria staff, managers, and directors from K-12 schools across Illinois.
Program results show successful outcomes. Two-thirds of the 2025 participants reported learning something new, and nearly all respondents said they planned to use what they learned at work. Many shared plans to improve food safety, change recipes, and try new ways to help students choose healthier foods.
Beyond training, the ABCs of School Nutrition program provides free resources and information to help feed students, reduce food waste, and support school students and staff. Free tools available for download on the ABCs of School Nutrition website include recipes and sample menus, kitchen reference guides, and cafeteria signage.
"Extension is uniquely positioned to support this type of training program,” said Leia Weston, Extension health and community wellness outreach associate and creator of the program’s many online modules. "Our staff has research-backed expertise and a strong understanding of nutrition, health, and food safety topics — and we know how to create education that is effective for learners."
The benefits of strong school nutrition extend beyond the cafeteria. Research shows that healthy school meals can improve students’ eating habits, health, and classroom success. By giving school nutrition professionals the skills and support they need, Illinois Extension is helping build healthier schools and stronger communities across the state.
To learn more about the programs and get involved, visit go.illinois.edu/ABC-SchoolNutrition
SOURCE: Leia Weston, Health and Community Wellness Outreach Associate, University of Illinois Extension
SOURCE: Beth Peralta, Senior Manager for Digital Nutrition Education, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Morgan Mouser, Marketing and Communications Intern, University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.