3542.41 - Professional Standards for Food Service Personnel

Policy 3542.41

Business/Non-Instructional Operations

Food Service

School Lunch Service

Professional Standards for Food Service Personnel


The Board of Education (Board) recognizes that students require adequate, nourishing food and beverages in order to grow, learn and maintain good health. Therefore, the Board provides a food service program for school breakfasts; and school lunches that meet the dietary specifications in accordance with the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and applicable state laws and regulations. 

This service shall be under the supervision of the Food Services Director who shall be responsible to the Director of Business.  The Food Services Director shall be hired under specific job specifications.

The food service contractor shall comply with the professional standards for school nutrition personnel who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs which are contained in the regulations to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), Public Law 111-296. These regulations, effective July 1, 2015, establish hiring standards for the selection of State and local school nutrition program directors, and requires all personnel in the school nutrition programs to complete annual continuing education/training. 

The food service contractor will provide training to all staff that includes an overview of food allergies, Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, avoidance of cross contamination, effective cleaning and sanitation practices, and practices for the accommodation and safety of students with life-threatening food allergy in accordance with USDA regulations.

The Board believes that the fulfillment of these professional standards for food service personnel will result in consistent, national professional standards that strengthen the ability of school nutrition professionals and staff to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. Requiring proper qualifications to serve in the District’s Child Nutrition Programs is expected to improve the quality of school meals, reduce errors, and enhance Program integrity.

(cf. 3542.31 – Participation in the Nutritional School Lunch Program)
(cf. 3542.33 – Food Sales Other Than National School Lunch Program)
(cf. 3542.43 – Charging Policy)
(cf. 6142.101 – Student Nutrition and Physical Wellness, School Wellness)

Legal Reference:    Connecticut General Statutes
10-215 Lunches, breakfasts and other feeding programs for public school children and employees.
10-215a Nonpublic school and nonprofit agency participation in feeding programs.
10-215b Duties of State Board of Education re feeding programs.
10-216 Payment of expenses.
10-217 State Board of Education Regulations.
10-215b-1 School lunch and nutrition programs.
10-215b-11 Requirement for meals.
10-215b-12 Reimbursement payments. (including free and reduced price meals)
Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, 42 U.S.C. Section 1751.
School Lunch and Breakfast Programs 42 U.S.C. Section 1751 et seq.
National Food Service Programs, Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations, 7 CFR Part 210, Part 220, Part 215, Part 245.
42 U.S.C. Sec. 1758(h)/7 CFR Sect 210.13, 220.7 (School Food Safety Inspections).
Federal Register (74 Fed. Reg. 66213) amending federal regulations (7CFR Part 210 and 220).
Federal Register (80 Fed No 40) Professional Standards for State and Local Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
P.L. 111-296 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), 42 U.S.C. 1751.
7 CFR Parts 210 & 220 – Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch & School Breakfast Programs.
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance, 7 C.F.R. Part 15b (2001).


Policy adopted:    April 4, 2017    
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Newtown, Connecticut


 
Inspiring Each Student to Excel

3 Primrose St., Newtown, CT 06470
Phone: 203-426-7600