Fresh Bites Spring Edition 2022

Eastern Area TRI-COUNTY CHAPTER UPDATES

CHAPTERS

Eastern Area Staffing Shortages How are you recrui t ing new employe es?

CHAPTERS

Eastern Area Feature

HAMILTON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

BY SARAH KEEN, RDN FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, SCHUYLERVILLE CSD

SARATOGA

FULTON

HERKIMER

MONTGOMERY

OTSEGO

SCHOHARIE

ALBANY

RENSSELAER

Washington, Warren and Saratoga county district schools have been busy feeding more students than ever before! Food service directors meet monthly to share menu ideas, collaborate on regional Farm to School efforts, and collaborate on improving their programs. Pictured is a menu brainstorming session:

GREENE

BY KATY HEADWELL, RD EASTERN AREA DIRECTOR

COLUMBIA

DELAWARE

EASTERN AREA

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that we are all facing shortages in our workforce. Since August 2021, 4.3 million people have quit their jobs and the healthcare and food-service industries have suffered the most. So what can you do to recruit employees to come and work for you? Below are some tips from schools districts that seem to be helping. PTA-they have the attention of a number of parents in your district that might be willing to help you out.

Argyle Central School Foodservice Team has been focusing on Grab N Go Lunches. Our goal has been to make it easier and faster for students to get lunch! We have surveyed our students and many have issues with standing in line, getting trays, walking in front of alot of students etc... so grabbing a full lunch in a container solves the problem! Examples of our Cold Grab N Go meals: MYO pizza, Walking Taco, Deviled Eggs, Bagel Bites, Protein Packs, Cheese&Crackers, Yogurt Boats, Bagel Boats, specialty Sandwiches, Smoothies, Parfaits, Wraps, Salads (Big Mac, Oriental, Caesar, Buffalo, Garden with Cheese Curds, Antipasto, Chef, Grilled Chicken etc)

1 2 3 4 5

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) has hired a regional grant coordinator to study the feasibility of building a food hub for local products in the Tri-County area. As a result, school districts are benefiting from increased access to New York grown items like lettuce, apple cider, grape juice, and beef by placing larger cooperative orders. CCE sends a van to make bimonthly deliveries to more rural districts who are normally outside the service zone of many distributors.

Waterford-Halfmoon district celebrated Fire Prevention Week and served up a delicious breakfast to local firefighters!

Transportation Departments-Some school districts have bus drivers that are free in between their runs and can help (even if it’s just for an hour) serve the students. Bonuses-offer a sign-on bonus for new employees or a bonus to current employees that help recruit new workers. Outside Organizations-think outside the box and work with local organizations that have groups of people seeking employment. Student Help- reach out to your counselors and other administrations to see if students are looking to volunteer opportunities during free periods.

Johnsburg Central School participated in a door decorating contest at Christmas and wore matching “Smart Cookie” shirts.

Mechanicville Central School District has been tracking increased participation all year. Through the end of January they served 32,299 more meals than last year!

Hadley-Luzerne Central School celebrated Chinese New Year with whole grain dumplings and homemade lo mein. Hadley- Luzerne students also enjoyed a “Food Truck” week in January highlighting food from around the country. Students in both schools tried Chicago style hot dogs. Other lunches included southern style “fried” chicken sandwiches, street tacos, southwest bbq chicken flatbreads, In and Out style cheeseburgers, and chicken po’ boys. They loved learning about food popular in other places and have even asked to have a couple of these items again!

Have more tips and tricks? Please feel free to share them with us!

Chef Kevin London visited the Schuylerville Central School District in January to provide a hands-on cooking lesson centered around farm to school. Kitchen staff learned different techniques to prepare local carrots and celeriac (celery root). The recipes will be incorporated into upcoming menus, and Kevin plans to return later this spring for another lesson as more vegetables come into season.

KATY HEADWELL, RD • Eastern Area Director Katy Headwell is the Food Service Director at Shenendehowa Central Schools in Clifton Park, NY. She has been in her position for 9 years and loves being in school food service. She gets excited seeing students try new foods and working with great people. She enjoys spending time with her husband, son and 2 dogs.

20

21

FreshBites

SPRING 2022

FreshBites

SPRING 2022

Powered by