Nutrition Environment and Services

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* 1. Thank you for taking the time to participate in the Panther Valley Healthy Schools survey.  Please select the answer that best describes you.

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* 2. Does the school offer school meals (breakfast and lunch) programs that are fully accessible to all students?

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* 3. Does your school use strategies to maximize participation in the school breakfast program?

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* 4. Does your school provide multiple alternative points of sale for reimbursable meals, such as outside lines, kiosks, grab and go options, reimbursable vending options, to maximize participation in the National Scholl Lunch Program?

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* 5.
Do school meals include a variety of offerings that meet the following criteria?
Lunch:
*  Go beyond the National School Lunch Program requirements to offer one additional serving per week from any of the 3 vegetables subgroups (dark green, red and orange, dry beans and peas)
*  Offer a different fruit every day of the week during lunch (100% fruit juice can be counted as a fruit only once per week)
*  Offer fresh fruit at least 1 day per week
*  Offer foods that address the cultural practices of the student population
*  Offer an alternative entrée option at least one time per week that is legume based, reduced fat dairy or fish based (including tuna)
*  Offer at least 3 different types of whole grain-rich food items each week
Breakfast:
*  Offer at least 3 different fruits and vegetables each week (100% fruit juice can be counted as a fruit only once per week)
*  Offer fresh fruit at least 1 day per week

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* 6. Does the school food service consistently follow practices that ensure healthier foods are purchased and prepared for service?
*  Spoon solid fat from chilled meat and poultry broth before using
*  Use specifications requiring lower fat content in ordering pre-prepared foods such as hamburgers, cold cuts and cured meats, pizza, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, etc.; and canned products such as vegetables, soups, etc.
*  Use specifications requiring lower added sugar content in prepared foods such as a whole grain cold cereals or cereal bars; breakfast items such as pancakes or waffles; and canned products such as fruit
*  Roast, bake or broil meat rather than fry it
*  Use low-sodium or no-salt-added spices and seasonings, dressings, marinades, sauces (e.g., tomato or pasta sauces), and condiments (e.g., ketchup, barbeque sauce, ranch dressing, etc.)
*  Prepare vegetables by steaming or baking
*  Prepare vegetables using little or no fat
*  Cook with nonstick spray or pan liners rather than with grease or oil
*  Use frozen or canned vegetables with little or no added sodium (e.g., low sodium, fresh frozen foods) instead of regular canned vegetables
*  Use products that are locally grown or produced such as milk, produce and/or meats, chicken or fish
*  Follow standardized recipes that are low in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars
*  Use other seasonings or spices, including fresh herbs, in place of salt.  Herbs could be from school gardens or local markets

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* 7. Do venues outside the cafeteria (e.g., vending machines, school stores, canteens, snack bars, or snack or food carts) where food is available offer fruits and non-fried vegetables?

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* 8. Are healthy food and beverage choices promoted through the following techniques?
*  A variety of mixed whole fruits are displayed in nice bowls or baskets (instead of stainless steel pans)
*  Fruit is offered in at least two locations on all service lines, one of which is right before each point of sale (POS)
*  Vegetables are offered on all serving lines
*  At least one vegetables is identified as the featured vegetable-of-the-day and is labeled with a creative, descriptive name at the point of selection
*  Place pre-packed salads or salad bar is available in a high traffic area
*  Label pre-packaged salads or salad bar choices with creative, descriptive names and display next to each choice
*  Self-serve salad bar tongs, scoops, and containers are larger for vegetables and smaller for croutons, dressing, and other non-produce items
*  White milk is displayed in front of other beverages in all coolers
*  1% or non-fat white milk is identified as the featured milk and is labeled with creative, descriptive name
*  Cafeteria staff politely prompt students who do not have a full reimbursable meal to select a fruit or vegetable
*  Signs show students how to make a reimbursable meal on any service line
*  Alternative entrée options (salad bar, yogurt parfaits, etc.) are highlighted on posters or signs within all service and dining areas
*  Cafeteria staff smile and greet students upon entering the service line and continually throughout meal service
*  Students, teachers, or administrators announce today's menu in daily announcements
*  A monthly menu is posted in the main office
*  Information about the benefits of school meals is provided to teachers and administration at least annually
*  Brand, name, and decorate the lunchroom in a way that reflects the student body
*  Conduct a taste test of a new entrée at least once a year

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* 9. Do students have at least 10 minutes to eat breakfast and at least 20 minutes to eat lunch, counting from the time they are seated?
NOTE:  The time that students are allotted for breakfast and/or lunch should be uninterrupted (i.e., designated to eating and not to completing make-up work or other academic assignments).

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* 10. Do school nutrition services staff members use three or more of the following methods to collaborate with teachers to reinforce nutrition education lessons taught in the classroom?
*  Participate in design and implementation of nutrition education programs
*  Display educational and informational materials that reinforce classroom lessons
*  Provide food for use in classroom nutrition education lessons
*  Provide ideas for classroom nutrition education lessons
*  Teach lessons or give presentations to students
 *  Tasting party in collaboration with classroom teacher
*  Presentation on nutrition and food service to PTA/PTSA/PTO
*  Sports nutrition - collaboration with coaches
*  Classroom tour of cafeteria or meet and greet with school nutrition staff

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* 11. Do all school nutrition program directors, managers, and staff meet or exceed the annual continuing education/training hours required by the USDA's Professional Standards requirements?
Topics may include, but are not limited to, food safety and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), nutrition standards updates in school meals, food sensitivities and allergies, purchasing and procurement, meal counting and claiming, customer service or food production techniques.
NOTE:  USDA's Professional Standards requirements establish minimum professional standards for school nutrition personnel who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.  (see http://professionalstandards.nal.usda.gov/content/professional-standards-information

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* 12. Does the school provide students with a clean, safe, and pleasant cafeteria, according to the following criteria?
*  physical structure (e.g., walls, floor covering) does not need repairs.
*  tables and chairs are not damaged and are of appropriate size for all students
*  seating is not overcrowded (i.e., never more than 100% of capacity)
*  rules for safe behavior (e.g., no running, no throwing food or utensils) are enforced
*  tables and floors are cleaned between lunch periods or shifts, and trash is removed between lunch periods if necessary
*  the lunchroom is branded and decorated in a way that reflects the student body
*  appropriate practices are used to prevent excessive noise levels (e.g, no whistles)
*  smells are pleasant and not offensive
*  appropriate eating devices are available when needed for students with special health care needs

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* 13. Are school food service staff and cafeteria monitors (e.g., teachers, aides) trained to respond quickly and effectively to the following types of food emergencies?
*  choking
*  natural disasters (e.g., electrical outages affecting refrigeration)
*  weather-related emergencies and school closures
*  medical emergencies (e.g., severe food allergy reactions, diabetic reactions)
*  attempts to introduce biological or other hazards into the food supply
*  situations that require students or others to shelter in the school

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* 14. Has your school established and provided training on food safety best practices (e.g., properly handling, preparing, and storing foods) for all food service staff?

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* 15. Is your school implementing any Farm to School activities?
*  Local and/or regional products are incorporated into the school meal program
*  Messages about agriculture and nutrition are reinforced throughout the learning environment
*  School hosts a school fruit or vegetable garden
*  School hosts field trips to local farms
*  School utilizes promotions or special events, such as tastings, that highlight the local/regional products
*  School hosts a farmer's market (student and parent involvement)
*  Menu states local product(s) is being served
*  Local farmers/producers participate in career day activities

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* 16. Thanks again for participating.  Please provide any comments or feedback regarding any of the survey questions and/or suggestions on how to improve the health and wellness of Panther Valley.

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