Menu Planning Boot Camp
The Efficient Chef: Maximizing Your Kitchen Potential ($)
Discover strategies to optimize your kitchen workflow and unleash your inner chef! Learn effective cooking preparation techniques when using multiple kitchen appliances, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Get time management skills to streamline your cooking process, reducing stress and increasing output. Expect practical tips and expert insights to help you maximize your kitchen efficiency.
Read MorePlant-Forward Menus: A Guide to Successful Integration ($)
There’s never been a better time to add more plant-based options to your program’s menu! Discover how to identify the health and environmental benefits of eating and serving plant-based foods. Learn how to source, prepare, and successfully market plant-based options. Get free resources to create more plant-forward menus.
Read MoreFlavorful Cooking Using Herbs and Spices ($)
Tired of using the same seasonings for your meals? Enhance your culinary skills and create delicious, nutritious meals using a variety of herbs and spices. Get creative and learn how to develop your own DIY seasoning blends and what food pairs well with certain herbs and spices. Receive new recipe ideas to add to your menu.
Read MoreAdapting Menus for Special Diets ($)
Are you wondering how to navigate food allergies and create safe meals for the children in your care while participating in the CACFP? Learn the differences between various types of special diets and how to prepare these foods to meet CACFP guidelines. Know what a meal modification is, how to serve modified meals, and how to navigate through meal modification scenarios.
Read MoreUsing the Food Buying Guide for Menu Development ($)
Unlock the full potential of the USDA’s Food Buying Guide (FBG) for Child Nutrition Programs. Learn how to access the FBG, create an account, and utilize its tools to plan nutritious, compliant, and cost-effective meals. We’ll guide you through the FBG yield tables, meal components, and selecting the right food items for your recipes. Don’t miss this chance to streamline your meal planning and ensure dietary guidelines are met with ease!
Read MoreProcuring Local Foods for Child Nutrition Programs ($)
From beef and bison in Montana to apples in Michigan and radishes in Rhode Island, local foods are on the menu for children across the country. Local procurement not only supports increasing economic opportunities for local farmers, but also helps child care institutions incorporate wholesome local foods into program meals and encourages children to make healthy food choices. Learn how local foods can meet meal pattern requirements, understand what is required when purchasing local foods, and get the resources you need for procuring them.
Read MoreMenu Planning: Your Guide to Success ($)
Do you love menu planning or are you unsure where to begin? Learn what to consider when developing a cycle menu or planning meals one week at a time. Receive new, easy recipe ideas that are sure to become favorites at your center or in your family child care home! Identify the differences between a cycle menu and weekly menu. Explore the step-by-step process of menu development, from concept ideation to finalization.
Read MoreMeal Pattern Basics ($)
Centers, family child care homes, and after-school care play a critical role in serving nutritious foods to those they serve. The CACFP guides you on how to provide healthy meals using five meal components which make up the meal service requirements: grains, fruits, vegetables, meats/meat alternates, and milk. Learn when these are required and how they fit into the CACFP meal pattern.
Read MoreBest Practices for Budgeting for Meals & Snacks ($)
Every penny counts at child care centers and family child care homes. Discover the secrets to stretching your CACFP budget without compromising on quality. Gain fun, practical tips on planning, purchasing, and preparing nutritious, high-quality meals that kids will love—all while staying within budget. Learn how to make the most of your resources and create delicious, healthy meals that are both budget-friendly and nutritious.
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