EDUSTAFF POSITION: School Nutrition & Farm to School Specialist

School Nutrition & Farm to School Specialist

The primary purpose of this position is to strengthen the District's nonprofit school food service program by connecting students with healthy foods served in school cafeterias, expanding Farm to School programming, promoting locally grown foods, increasing participation in USDA Child Nutrition Programs, and improving student acceptance of nutritious school meals.

The School Nutrition & Farm to School Specialist supports the District's nonprofit school food service program by expanding Farm to School initiatives, increasing student participation in USDA Child Nutrition Programs, promoting the use of locally grown foods, coordinating school garden activities connected to school meals, and implementing Farm to School and cafeteria-based student engagement activities that improve acceptance of reimbursable school meals.

Essential Responsibilities

School Nutrition Program Support

Develop and implement activities that increase student awareness, participation, and acceptance of reimbursable school meals.

Coordinate cafeteria taste tests for new menu items and locally sourced foods served through the school nutrition program.

Collect and evaluate student feedback to help the Food Service Director improve menu acceptance.

Promote USDA Child Nutrition Programs through student engagement and nutrition promotion activities in the cafeteria.

Support implementation of USDA Child Nutrition Program objectives through Farm to School programming, cafeteria promotions, student engagement, and local food initiatives.

Farm to School Coordination

Coordinate Farm to School initiatives that increase student engagement with foods served through the school nutrition program.

Lead Harvest of the Month activities that feature foods offered in school cafeterias.

Coordinate local food procurement initiatives and relationships with Michigan growers and producers.

Assist with implementation and reporting for the Michigan 10 Cents a Meal Program and other Farm to School initiatives.

Coordinate activities that increase student familiarity with locally grown foods served in school meals.

Coordinate student participation in harvesting produce for incorporation into the District's school meal program in accordance with local food safety procedures.

Coordinate procurement of Michigan-grown and locally produced foods for incorporation into reimbursable school meals.

School Gardens

Coordinate school garden activities that support Farm to School programming and reinforce foods served through the school nutrition program.

Develop cafeteria-based promotional and educational activities that increase student familiarity with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other foods featured in reimbursable school meals.

Coordinate garden harvests for cafeteria taste tests, Harvest of the Month promotions, and other Farm to School initiatives in accordance with district food safety procedures.

Collaborate with Food Service staff to highlight seasonal produce and strengthen student acceptance of healthy foods.

Community Partnerships

Collaborate with MAISD, Michigan State University Extension, Career Technical Education programs, SNAP-Ed providers, local farms, and community organizations to strengthen Farm to School and school nutrition initiatives.

Coordinate educational events that promote school meals, local agriculture, and healthy food choices.

Represent the District in regional Farm to School collaborations that directly support school nutrition programming.

Grants and Program Administration

Assist with grant implementation, reporting, and documentation related to Farm to School, local food purchasing, and school nutrition initiatives.

Maintain records demonstrating program outcomes related to student participation in school meal programs, acceptance of healthy foods, Farm to School initiatives, and local food utilization.

Support evaluation of Farm to School activities, student participation, and nutrition promotion efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience with Farm to School programming, school gardens, nutrition education, or school nutrition programs preferred.

Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs and Farm to School initiatives preferred.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.