Contact Kelly Waldron, Chef Region 13 512-919-5115 kelly.waldron@esc13.txed

1. Contact Kelly Waldron, Chef Region 13 512-919-5115 kelly.waldron@esc13.txed.net I am very excited to have the opportunity to support and assist schools in achieving their goals of serving healthy and delicious meals within the framework of USDA guidelines. I work to develop recipes with high student acceptability and seek feedback from students, staff and food service directors throughout the process. The meal pattern requires students to select ample servings of foods that many are hesitant to try: dark green vegetables, red orange vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Admittedly there can be challenges with designing menus to fit the meal pattern and suiting students’ tastes. This is an opportunity to help students to be their best, and to teach them healthy habits from an early age that will last a lifetime. Goals of the Chef to School Initiative: School Nutrition Staff Training: Training and technical assistance in areas including culinary skills, presentation, recipe development/standardization and customer service training to school food service staff. Skilled staff will provide healthier school meals, improve cost control and overall student success. Student Interaction: Encouraging a lifetime of healthy eating habits through interactive cooking demonstrations, culinary skills training, taste-tests and activities that generate enthusiasm for nutritious foods, and increase acceptability of the meal pattern based on the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Our Mission The Child Nutrition Program provides professional training for school food service staff to meet and exceed the guidelines set forth by The United States Department of Agriculture and The Texas Department of Agriculture. Training is based on standards of excellence for continuous growth and improvement in nutritional standards, food safety, customer service, open communication and collaboration and effective partnerships. Skilled staff are able to provide healthier school meals, and in turn, will reduce hunger and obesity. The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).   USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 4/24/13