Review New Director Checklist: Found in the Welcome Packet, this checklist gives directors who are new to K12 or to their district a comprehensive list of everything they need to do in year 1.
Take Nuts & Bolts, On Demand: This interactive eLearning is available 24/7 and walks you through all the core compliance and regulatory concepts in Child Nutrition Programs. Over the course of your first year, you should take all of them. Bring your questions to Office Hours.
Attend Tuesdays at 2 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE offers a learning opportunity every Tuesday at 2pm. These are intended to help keep you informed of changes to the program and on track for all program requirements/paperwork due throughout the year.
Create/Update a Cycle Menu: Supporting meal consistency, meal pattern compliance and efficient staffing/procurement investments. Cycle menus should be revisited based on production records.
Participate in the School Wellness Coaching Program: Engaging with a coach will support your committee during meetings throughout the year to ensure local school wellness policy compliance and implementation.
Apply for Funding Opportunities: There are many different grants available to fund projects from gardens to kitchen equipment. In Office Hours we offer a breakout room where you can get some help selecting grants to apply for and get feedback on ideas!
Sign up for Creating & Executing a Culinary Advancement Plan CECAP Whether you're looking to improve scratch cooking, enhance meal presentation, boost kitchen efficiencies, or build team confidence — Creating & Executing a Culinary Advancement Plan CECAP can help you make it happen — don't miss this opportunity to invest in your program!
Host a Workshop to Go Bring hands-on culinary training to your professional development days through engaging workshops! Choose from topics ranging from local produce to globally inspired recipes.
Host a Chef Coach Lean on chef coaches to help advance scratch cooking in your district! Chefs can support creating kitchen efficiencies, cross-training staff, recipe development, inventory control, student engagement, and much more!
Harvest of the Month Harvest of the Month is a great opportunity to celebrate local abundance, experiment with new foods and recipes, and get some positive recognition for your school district and/or school.
Northeast Food for Schools Gain access to local source tracking software and leverage this opportunity to demonstrate your district is committed to the health of our students and the health of Massachusetts' economy.
Apply for Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health MA FRESH Grant Funds Designed to support K–12 and licensed early education and care centers to start up or expand their local foods purchasing and education efforts.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Last Updated: August 6, 2026