Great Trays: What's Happening in Minnesota

In the News

Here are some recent news stories about Great Trays.

Making connections from farm to school (University of Minnesota Extension Source; Fall 2011)

Real Meals: School Lunches Getting Healthier Next Fall (CBS; 6/15/11)

Students break for summer while cooks head back to class to tackle childhood obesity (Extension news; 6/3/11)

An important step in fighting obesity (Star Tribune; 5/30/11)

New partnership helps Minnesota schools tackle childhood obesity (Echo Press; 5/29/11)

Federally funded Great Trays Partnership provides training to help schools buy and prepare nutritious foods (Insight News; 5/25/11)

Federally funded Great Trays Partnership provides training to help schools buy and prepare nutritious foods (Olmsted County Journal; 5/24/11)

Innovative public-private partnership helps Minnesota schools tackle childhood obesity through changes in the cafeteria (HometownSource.com; 5/24/11)

State program aims to improve school lunches (Minnesota Public Radio; 5/24/11)

Success Stories

The following short videos highlight changes being made to school lunches in Minnesota.

Cost, Quality, the Cycle Menu

Things to consider when planning a menu.

Benefits of the Buying Group

The Minnesota Food Buying Groups offers lower costs and good variety.

Taste Testing Tips

Tips for promoting new items.

Serving Lines That Make Them Smile

Ideas to encourage students to choose foods they will not eat.

Your Passion is Contagious

Are you excited about trying new things?

Building Staff Support

How to get others in your school on board.

Communication with Administrators

Overview of what USDA is doing and how you can help.

You're Not Alone

Tips for getting support for making the change.

Veggie Variety

Students like fresh fruits and vegetables and local produce.

You Can Make a Difference

School food science has an important role with children.

Awesome Advisory Groups

Advisory groups can help give feedback and ideas.

The Magic of Marketing

Build excitement for eating healthy foods.

The Power of Partnerships

Collaboration can lead to win-win.

Kitchen Can Do

Bring "Yes we can" to your kitchen.

Message for Minnesota Schools

Deb Lukkenon, Minnesota Department of Education, describes the challenge presented to schools.

Great Expectations Description

Howell Weschell, U.S. Center for Disease Control, shared expectations for Minnesota.

See the related program: Great Trays