School Food Service

For School Food Service Professionals

School Food Service is an integral part of a healthy school environment. The cafeteria plays a central role in educating and modeling healthy behavior and can serve as a learning lab for nutrition education. The resources on this page can be used to help students make healthy food and activity choices.

In 2009, during the Dairy Council of California anniversary year, nutrition specialist, Anne Gaffney, RD, shares her perspective on Dairy Council of California programs.

Classroom Cooking Resources

Cafeteria Connections offers suggestions for creating nutrition education activities that include the cafeteria
A Primer of Basic Kitchen Skills
Basic Kitchen Terminology
Classroom Cooking Activities
Classroom Recipes
Shopping and Equipment Lists
Modifications of Classroom Recipes

Serving Milk in School Meals

The Importance of Milk and Milk Products for Students at School, Written by Dayle Hayes, M.S., R.D., and President of Nutrition for the Future, Inc.
Guide to Dairy Organizations summarizes both the state and national dairy organizations and how they can provide support for school nutrition programs.
New study reveals negative nutritional impact of removing chocolate milk from school meals. (summary) (full report)
Milk's Nutrient Contribution to School Lunches
Fact Sheet - Use Low-fat Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt for Healthier School Meals
Drinking Flavored and Plain Milk is Positively Associated with Nutrient Intake and is Not Associated with Adverse Effects on Weight, Journal of American Dietetic Association
Clearing Up Confusion on the Role of Dairy in Children's Diets, American Academy of Pediatrics