Course Catalog


Healthy Edge: Building Healthy School Meals Course

Approved 10 Hour Nutrition Education Core Course
Approved as 10 Hours in Key Area 2 - Nutrition or 10 CEUs

Fee: $ 75.00

Course Description

Healthy Edge: Building Healthy School Meals is a professional development program that educates child nutrition professionals about many aspects of nutrition. The program helps professionals:

  • Satisfy program requirements outlined in USDA's School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children
  • Offer nutritious and appealing meals that satisfy the dietary needs and food preferences of children
  • Implement the best practices presented in Keys to Excellence in School Food and Nutrition Programs
  • Satisfy the nutrition education specialized training requirement of School Nutrition Association Certification

Target Audience

This course is intended for school nutrition professionals.

Healthy Edge: Building Healthy School Meals Core Course consists of the following lessons:

  Nutrition In this lesson, participants will be able to define "nutrition integrity" in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP), identify nutrients essential to CNP meals, recognize how Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are set for different age groups and point out how RDAs form the foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines), which in turn form the basis of CNP. Participants will also follow the standards set by the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children (SMI) in ensuring healthy meals, advocate for student selection of healthy meals and apply what they have learn as their role as a child nutrition professional.
  Nutrition Education In this lesson, participants will deliver nutrition education to their customers. They will also learn to use the MyPyramid (food guide pyramid) to promote healthy meal choices. Participants will e valuate nutrition education resources and messages for accuracy and stay informed about nutrition trends and issues.
  Preparing and Serving Healthy School Meals This lesson will aid the participant to identify the SMI nutrition goals and also plan, prepare, and serve healthy school meals. Participants will understand the menu planning approach that is used in their school. They will also use production tools and techniques to comply with regulations and also choose healthy food preparation techniques.
  Building Partnerships and Marketing Participants will be able to provide quality products and services. Develop and nurture essential partnerships. Develop and implement a Marketing Plan that promotes school meals as the meal of choice. Participate and learn how to step their role as part of the education program.