Welcome! Please introduce yourself by sharing your name, position and where you work. Also share your favorite summer fruit or veggie with the group!

Cristina Obregon

Beth Haas Nebraska Department of Education

Good morning! Chela Cooper, Maryland State Dept. of Ed., CNP Operations and Training Specialist. I love broccoli!

Maria Luisa Huerta Dietitian Mission CISD

Hi everyone! Micha James with MPUSD. Cherries & Watermelon!

Emily Cena, Director of Food & Nutrition, Ramona Unified School District -- cherries :)

Stephanie Bruce, Director Nutrition Service Palm Springs, CA. Favorite Summer Fruit - APRICOTS!!!

Rachel Waugh, Online Programs Coordinator, Chef Ann Foundation. I love peaches!

Robert Lewis, CEO, Santa Clarita

Amanda Mascia / Hunger Free Kids Manager / San Diego Hunger Coalition = Whatever is ripe and ready to eat! :)

Jennifer Marrone - Business Manager, Food & Nutrition services - San Diego Unified, White Nectarine

Laura Bullene Jacobo - Woodlake USD - melon!

Good morning! Christina Hecht, UC Nutrition Policy Institute. Apricots!

Barbara Hughes, CalFresh Healthy Living Nutrition Policy Advisor with the County of SD HHSA. Artichokes!

Colleen Robinson-SDUSD Food Services and nectarines and watermelon.

Hi everyone! I’m Joe Shumate, Communications Director with San Diego Hunger Coalition. Can’t get enough of cherries!

Hi everyone! Meghan Maroney, Center For Science in the Public Interest in Washington, DC. Peaches!!

Hello! I’m Abby Halperin from the Center for Ecoliteracy. It’s so hard to pick! Raspberries and Tomatoes.

Apricots

Maddy Moritsch, Alliance for a Healthier Generation based out of San Diego; nectarines and peaches!

Melinda Nguyen, Texas Dept of Agriculture, grilled peaches

Raynika Trent, Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education & Policy, Teachers College

Laura Hambrecht, No Kid Hungry Missouri

Anna Severns, Nutrition and Compliance Manager at Revolution Foods. Watermelon and Tomatoes from the garden!!

Cristal Cardenas, Nutritionist, Kings Canyon Unified, favorite fruit is PIneapple!!

Naomi Stern - San Mateo County Office of Education - Green Facilities and Operations Analyst - Plums!!

Mickinzie Lopez, LunchAssist. Huckleberries! <3

Anya Perron-Burdick, Executive Director, Yolo Farm to Fork - plums!

Rosa Rubio from Calistoga USD and WATERMELON with tajin!!! :-D

Jennifer Reno, Preferred Meals

Cristina Obregon. Food Service Director Whittier City School District. Watermelon

My name is Scout Leonard. Breakfast After the Bell Contractor for No Kid Hungry in Oakland USD. Nectarines!

Hollie Hillard, Kitchen Manager of Sand Creek Elementary in Michigan

Jannette Garcia, Sanger Unified School District. I love peaches!

Donna Handley, Nebraska Dept. of Ed, Kale

Krysta Williams from Center for Ecoliteracy. I’m so excited about all stone fruit!!

Bridgett, SOR, Peaches and apricots

Melissa Summarsell, Director of Child Nutrition, ResponsiveEd, Strawberries

Ashley Jowell, Stanford Medical Student Research, love apples!

Duong Thai from SFUSD

Geri Lorenzana, Nutrition Specialist, Mountain View SD. Persimmons :-)

Sarah Phelps, PSUSD, Manager. Love the summer seedless watermelon

Hi All, I'm Katherine Jacobs, Dietetic Intern at the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

Good morning. Dawn Ahlers, San Diego Unified School District, Food Services Business Operations Supervisor. Strawberries

HI all - My name is Bree Bode! I am a Graduate Research Assistant and PhD (c) student at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI! Avocado!

Brook Stephenson, FSD Santa Maria Joint Union High School District- watermelon

Sara Booker, MPH RD, Nutrition Education and Training Coordinator with the Maryland State Department of Education. Favorite Summer Veg: chard!

Holly Hungerford Cocking, Director of Nutrition Services, Springs Charter Schools - - - purslane!

Christina Arizmendi Admin Assistant Child Nutrition Bear Valley Unified School district

Debbi Dodson from the Carton Council. It isn’t summer without fabulous peaches!

Emma Finn, Friends of the Earth's Climate-Friendly School Food Program Associate, Summer Squash!!!

Lauren Blacker, Stanford School of Medicine Pediatrics, berries!

Good morning everyone! Kristin Zellhart from Eat REAL and I love summer 🍅!

Hi Everyone, Debbie Friedman, Food Climate Strategies. Strawberries.

Alek Ostrander, University of Michigan Student, Intern, Cantaloupe.

Hi! Amanda Bast, Nutrition Coordinator with SFE in partnership with Ferguson Florissant School District. Watermelon :)

Hi - Kari Johnson with Lunch at the Library Program. Currently we have a ton of apricots at our house, so that's what we have been eating. :)

Good morning! Jen from LunchAssist. I love all the summer stone fruits!! So yum!

Good morning Everyone! Miguel Villarreal, FSD, San Ramon Valley USD

Hello. Patty Barber, FS Director in Phoenix, NY (north of Syracuse)

Brianna McClain, Kitchen Lead Trainer, Prescott Unified School District - SFE. Avocado and hello from Arizona!

Jessica Soldavini, Graduate Research Assistant, Carolina Hunger Initiative and No Kid Hungry NC at UNC Chapel Hill, Favorite summer fruit - watermelon

Leyla Marandi from Center for Ecoliteracy. My favorite summer fruit are pluots — specifically the flavor king variety which could be coming out in a few weeks :D

Hello everyone! Nora Stewart from Farm to Institution Center at Community Health Improvement Partners at San Diego CA I love watermelon in the summertime!

Nikki Augustine, Dietitian, Washington Elementary School District, Phoenix, AZ I love all berries!!!

Leslie Pring, Director, Nutrition Services with Twin Rivers USD ( Sacramento). Favorite summer fruit is watermelon.

Marley Nelms, Director of Nutrition Services, San Dieguito Union High School District

please hold! (hold music….)

Linda Prescott with the Humboldt County Office of Education, favorite fruit...any kind of melon.

Breana Diaz, Nutrition Coordinator, Springs Charter Schools, watermelon :]

AMAZING WORK.

Hunger Heroes are Awesome!! We love you guys!

July calls are 7/9 and 7/23 — hope to see you there

Go RUSD!! Way to WOW them :)

Way to go Riverside!!!!!

Congrats!!

For those who have just joined, feel free to please introduce yourself in the chat and also share your favorite summer fruit or veggie with the group!

Great job Stephanie!!

Thank you Miguel!!! Your inspiration was key!!

Amazing! Thanks for the great photos, too

Those apricots look delicious

Deirdre Kleske, County of San Diego HHSA. Love the photos and hearing about the exemplary programs!

You can help promote these efforts for CA funding by tweeting the following: “Schools have been providing free meals to kids since the beginning of the pandemic. School food needs more funding for emergency meal service during COVID. #CALeg, @SenToniAtkins, & @Rendon63rd get that food is essential. @CAGovernor please keep this funding in the final budget.”

Recently attended a CDE Facebook Live with Tony Thurmond — at the end he recognized the awesome work of nutrition services during the pandemic, and the need for funding to ensure smooth continuation of services. Fingers crossed!

Where is Atkins on the budget?

(Albertsons network may also include Safeway & other grocers — check for more specifics on the site when we send this out)

Sen Atkins has been supportive, really great to see the legislature take the lead on advocating for this funding.

Great. So it’s mainly Newsom?

Yes, the decision rests with him now. He’s hoping that the federal funding will come through for school meals, but given that the HEROS act seems stalled in congress, we think that the state funding is really critical.

Whittier City has completed the claim for disaster funds. Keeping our fingers crossed. Let's see what happens.

Thank you, Abby. Agree.

Question about non-congregate meals waiver: If our schools reopen before August 31, such that we switch back from Seamless Summer to NSLP/SBP, are non-congregate meals permitted? I was under the impression that that waiver was for SSFO.

So sad for our families that this the supper and snack waiver is ending.

Emily, CDE said No a couple days ago on their call.

what are the most important waivers that you would like to see extended or created for SY 20-21?

Non-congregate meals for NSLP/SBP

Universal feeding

Meals to GO!!!!!

Hi Emily — I’ll let Jen chime in (or any NKH folks on the call) but we would need waivers for non congregate options with NSLP before being able to offer them. We are still waiting to hear about shift from SFSP/SSO to NSLP and if waivers will either be extended or issued respectively.

SFSPwaiver for the whole school year!

agree with emily

Universal feeding

CACFP Activity/Enrichment, non congregate

universal feeding

Universal feeding

Universal feeding

Universal Feeding!

UNIVERSAL FEEDING!

universal feeding would be great!!

SFSP for the whole school year!

^yes!

P2 Estimate from prior year instead of identifying who/what eligibility ate

Amen Dr. Robert

Complete Food Injustice to not provide Universal Meals

I actually know a guy who is a field rep for Sen. McConnell! Will reach out!

^^ Yes Miguel!

^Yeah Jessica!!

Honestly, it would be nice to create a whole new meal pattern geared towards grab & go. If it could be modeled like SFSP, that would be awesome.

Additional advocacy opportunity: We are requesting extension of P-EBT deadline (CDSS has filed a request with FNS) we are sending a letter of support. You can sign on here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4832720

I second Jen's comments re: contacting your Senator. CSPI is doing targeted outreach in key states right now - TN, ME, LA, AK, CO and KS. If you're in any of those states and are interested in joining a virtual Hill meeting with Senate staffers, please let me know! mmaroney@cspinet.org

Awesome story in the Counter today. Congrats to Jennifer LeBarre who is featured. https://thecounter.org/covid-19-school-lunch-minneapolis-houston-kansas-city-san-francisco/

Great job Alek and thank you for all you are doing to help us!

What is your district is considering for the instructional schedule? We’re interested to learn more.

San Diego Unified is putting out a survey to parents today to select among the 3 options.

Sounds like each school will have a "custom plan"

Decided by each principal???

I know- Scary

Palm Springs decided all the hybrid models were too much to manage. We are back to school and distance learning. Parents can choose to send them to school or keep them at home. We are currently working out the logistics of that model. At least that is the decision as of this specific moment in time. LOL

WOW Fred!!

Yah Fred...that is insane.

I'll be sharing that story from The Counter, Debbie Friedman, thanks for sharing!

For those of you who answered “yes” on meal models — do they fit into those different categories?

Today, yes.

What are the most important considerations for reopening at your school? What’s on your reopening “packing list”? :)

Stephanie — I understand your districts concerns with the different models. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, and it really depends on a districts instructional assets & what the community needs.

This is great!!

Cashless is the only way

We will send this checklist out to your in the call notes!

This is a great tool to use when communicating with school administrators, elected leaders, and others about ALL many considerations for school food service, particularly in states with school meal mandates.

Is there a section about updating policy and procedures as it relates to safe operations, meals procedures?

thanks!!

Thank you. That doc sounds great.

^Dr. Lewis -- could you elaborate on how to go cashless? Our community is very resistant to paying online

This will be my recommendation.

How do you think your summer participation will compare with last year? Do you expect participation to be more, less, or about the same?

I am asking that cash meals be prepaid. No cash for safety reasons.

I think there I a machine that can take cash on campus and load to a students account. So it wont be online but cashless for the lines and staff

We surpassed what we served all of last summer in our first 4 days of this summer

^^ Amazing Leslie.

^ Wow Leslie! That’s amazing.

Jen Marrone- that's great, I'd like to hear more about that system...

Question on another matter before we close - what are folks doing to prevent food spoilage during outside grab-n-go on hot summer days? Thanks! Suggestions are needed by some schools ...

we served 58K meals last summer and last week we served 77,577

Wow, Leslie!

Thank you for mentioning the CEP Meals Count demo! :)

Is that California specific?

MHUSD also going with a version of “cashless” - meaning a student/parent can drop off cash, but no change will be given. Encouraging putting money on accounts (Titan) Maybe call it “Changeless.”

^^ that is an interesting concept — thank you for sharing

Check out Dalia’s YouTube live, recorded yesterday: https://youtu.be/dTlnnpykaY8

Link to CEP webinar today! https://strength.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nULUdVu4TrCZdFlrbYoj_g

2 p.m. Pacific

Excellent message, Mickinzie!

How are you leading through anxiety or uncertainty? Have you learned any strategies that might be helpful to others?

Diversity training specific to Child Nutrition should be required by USDA.

^yes!

I take a 20 minute walk twice a day. We must to get away from our desks.

@Miguel V - agreed!

I agree Miguel! We are working to include this in our LunchAssist Professional Standards online training modules for SY 20-21! Open to ideas for making this a reality.

Less judgment of others leads to less anxiety (I don’t feel as if others judge me, when I don’t judge others). Give each other GRACE.

I have been walking too. Especially once I get home. I am up to 5 miles a day now. So nice, getting out and exploring my own nieghborhood

^^ yup. it makes everything easier Jacqueline.

Vulnerability is powerful!

I’m with you Jacqueline!

Agree Stephanie :) I’ve enjoyed rediscovering my neighborhood too. Quieter with less car traffic & lots of new things flowering from spring.

Amen to shared humanity!

Please feel free to unmute yourself, or type into the chat.

no no question

Question on another matter before we close - what are folks doing to prevent food spoilage during outside grab-n-go on hot summer days? Thanks! Suggestions are needed by some schools ...

Another great meeting, ladies! Thank you for your intelligent and compassionate leadership.

I am curious if anyone is thinking about waste reduction right now (packaging, food waste), or what kinds of support materials those who are interested in doing waste reduction initiatives would want right now.

maximize p-ebt webinar at 1:00 today https://packard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vTdM3TTjS6-h0-K2LOTR7g?utm_source=Last+Call+P-EBT+Info+Session&utm_campaign=P-EBT+Info+Session&utm_medium=email

Amazing to hear about Leslie’s meal increase this week. How are summer meals going for others who have started serving recently?

From Meghan: “I second Jen's comments re: contacting your Senator. CSPI is doing targeted outreach in key states right now - TN, ME, LA, AK, CO and KS. If you're in any of those states and are interested in joining a virtual Hill meeting with Senate staffers, please let me know! mmaroney@cspinet.org”

Jumping off to attend another zoom call. Thanks for doing such a great job during these meetings. The content and inspiration is fabulous.

Thanks Debbi!

Yes, we will serve more summer meals in our first week than we did all summer last year.

Wow ^

We served two times the summer meals in week one than we did all of last summer

Our summer meals are half of what the school year grab and go meals were.

We will hit 2 Million meals sometime in July!!

^Brook, is that more or less than last year’s summer meals?

this is the first time we have done summer meals

Our summer meals are about half of the grab-and-go we were serving during the official school year

If you have ideas on sustainable or “lower waste” packaging feel free to send ideas to Leyla or I

@Brook, that’s amazing to hear! Congrats.

Or post in the chat

We've been using more paper than plastic. We are not sending utensils & pc cond home

1/4 less than previous 3mo. 26,000 meals

Off to my next Zoom meeting. Thanks, LunchAssist! Best wishes to all.

The ecobaggies dissolved when got wet from frzn items

Thanks so much for your input!

I'm from Michigan, and have really appreciated listening in on your zoom meeting. The anxiety and stress piece was really usefully for me this week. This have been a rough week. We are finishing up the Unexpected School Closure next week, getting a week off then changing over to the Meet Up & Eat Up program after July 4th. Thanks for letting us join!!

Any water solutions to share that are sustainable but meet the need of meals served outside of the cafeteria

Hollie so glad you joined and thank you for sharing that. It’s such a crazy time for everyone — these reminders to breathe and points for connection are important :)

Thanks Everyone! Great information as always!

I ask all vendors at various food shows why they’re not using more enviro-friendly compostable packaging.

^ sigh

Thank you!

How are districts planning to make free water available? Our district is turning off water fountains

Thanks to everyone! These calls are really helpful. Looking forward to looking at the checklist!

Zoom needs a thumbs down button

I’m interested in the water solutions, too - thanks. Yes, the water fountains are starting to sound like a concern but there is very little (or no) guidance on hygiene

Pathwater. + Autofill water fountains.

Betti Wiggins was packaging water in 1/2 pint cardboard cartons when she was at Detroit USD

We're recommending posting signs on closed fountains indicating water stations which will be disposable paper cups at certain sinks that can be monitored and cleaned regularly.

Would it be allowed by to CDE if we have our water dispenser behind the counter/next to POS and having students ask for water? That way our NS staff can serve water using the proper PPE and give a cup with lid?

What about prefilled little cups

Advocacy partners - any chance you could push for a waiver on the mandated free potable water?

Kids bring their own water bottle, pre-filled, from home.

Please add access to water to the check list

Christina that will be a recommendation.

Debbi Dodson from the carton council has to sign off but she is interested in support schools with carton recycling I will share her email in the chat in a moment.

Placing hand-sanitizer dispensers next to water fountains and making it a process: sanitize hands-> drink water -> sanitize again??

Pathwater will partner with districts to provide/install their dispensers. Power/Water hook-up required.

Love that idea Paloma

Thanks, all, for the water thoughts!

https://www.recyclecartons.com/about/ and feel free to contact Debbi from the Carton Council: ddodson@san.rr.com

thank you!!

thank you!