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Office of Child Nutrition and Food Distribution |
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Kitchen Counter Conversations (KCC)
Thank you for participating in the October 2026 edition of Kitchen Counter Conversations: School Nutrition Environment. You can find the recording, as well as the resources discussed during the webinar, in the links below.
These weblinks were discussed in the webinar:
Resources found in the Administrative Records book (White covered spiral bound book handed out at Back-to-School Workshops). Reference here or the following pages:
- Pages 129-131 for the components needed in a local wellness policy
- Page 131 for the fundraising tracker
- Page 132 for the local wellness policy assessment form (triennial assessment)
- Pages 133-140 for additional resources related to smart snacks in school regulations
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration specific resources:
Additional resources:
As a reminder, please check all food/beverage products for sale during the school day to ensure compliance with Smart Snack regulations. Contact our office for clarification or questions.
Please log this hour of attendance as Professional Development for the year.
Join us on Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. CST for an informative KCC webinar focused on approved nutrient analysis software options and a detailed walkthrough on a weighted averages spreadsheet.
What we’ll cover:
- An overview of approved nutrient analysis software
- A step-by-step walkthrough of a spreadsheet designed to perform a weekly weighted average analysis
- Practical insights into using the spreadsheet to organize data and streamline your analysis process
Whether you’re looking to learn more about approved software options or want a closer look at how to perform a weekly weighted average analysis, this webinar will provide practical information you can put to use.
Date: Nov. 17
Time: 2 p.m. CST
We would like to hear from you! Share your ideas to help us plan for future KCC webinars.
Meal Pattern Modernization: Reducing Sodium Culinary Training – Seasoning Without the Shaker will explore the latest meal pattern updates while focusing on practical, flavorful ways to reduce sodium without sacrificing flavor. Get hands-on in the kitchen as you brush up on culinary techniques, explore seasoning alternatives, and prepare delicious recipes that meet school nutrition dietary specifications.
We have TWO remaining in-person 6-hour culinary training days this fall, designed specifically for school nutrition professionals.
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- Hands-on culinary experience
- Reducing sodium while maximizing flavor
- Explore the latest meal pattern updates
- Earn a $150 incentive payment (for ND School Nutrition Professionals)
- Supplies for a student taste-testing experience
- Opportunities to apply for specific equipment grants
No cost to register!
There is still time to participate or host a Crunch Off Event! Events can occur between Oct. 1–31. This event celebrates local foods, supports farmers and ranchers, and promotes more fruits and veggies on our plates. Our goal: 80,000 bites into local foods!
How to Participate Anyone can join—schools, childcare centers, businesses, organizations, and families. Just crunch into fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting producers who feed us.
Eligible Crunch Items
- Locally-grown or raised: fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, popcorn, and meat (beef, pork, poultry, lamb, jerky, roasts, etc.)
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Not included: liquids (milk/juice), purchased value-added items (like salsa, ice cream, sauces), grains, or deep-fried foods
- Scratch-made, value-added items do count. An example may include: local cucumbers with scratch-made tzatziki (the cucumbers count as your 'crunch' item)
- Regionally grown foods from programs like DOD Fresh or USDA Foods are also accepted. Even if you can’t find something local to bite into, you can still participate and register the event to help promote healthy eating habits
Tray of the Month is a fun, optional activity to highlight the delicious meals you serve every day. Submit a high-resolution photo of a full lunch tray (all components, including milk).
For questions or to submit your phot, contact Amanda Olson at amolson@nd.gov before the end of each month to qualify.
September Featured Tray of the Month from West Fargo Public School
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NDDPI Child Nutrition and Food Distribution
Main Office:
600 E. Boulevard Ave, Dept 201
Bismarck, ND 58505
PHONE: 701-328-2294 or 888-338-3663
FAX: 701-328-9566
Email: dpicnfd@nd.gov
Mayville Office:
14 Main St E, Mayville, ND 58257
PHONE: 701-788-8901 or 888-788-8901
Website: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/districtsschools/child-nutrition-and-food-distribution
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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