Classes and Training Tools

1. Minnesota Department of Education

MDE provides training opportunities for sponsors of School Nutrition Programs to support successful operations of programs in compliance with federal regulations. Training opportunities include online training through e-learning, real-time webinars with interactive learning, and opportunities to ask questions, and classes offered around the state and at MDE.

Every Tuesday throughout the school year a different topic related to school nutrition program operation will be presented via webinar at 2:00 p.m. Please join us from your computer at home or with your colleagues at school for this live webinar presentation. Email [email protected] to be added to the Nutrition Bulletins that feature webinar information.

NOTE: All Tuesdays @ 2:00 sessions count toward the Professional Standards annual training requirements.


2. United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established minimum Professional Standards for school nutrition professionals who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. SNA’s Certificate in School Nutrition and School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credential are aligned with USDA Professional Standards.

 

3. SNA Certificate Program

logo_sna

Earning your Certificate in School Nutrition shows your commitment to your profession and helps you stay current on the job. SNA’s Certificate Program is built on the four key areas fundamental to USDA Professional Standards: 

  1. Nutrition
  2. Operations
  3. Administration
  4. Communications/Marketing

Three Steps to Earning Your SNA Certificate in School Nutrition (click here)

SNA Level One Certificate-Approved Core Courses for Minnesota

Nutrition

Note: Level 1 requirements for the School Nutrition Association Certificate Program can be met through a variety of approved trainings. The free online courses Nutrition 101 and Food Safety in Schools offered by the Institute of Child Nutrition are commonly used to fulfill these core requirements. (Food Safety in Schools does NOT meet the Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirement through the Minnesota Department of Health.)

4. Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) E-Learning Training

Continuing education courses offered online at ICN support the professional development and training of child nutrition program personnel at all levels of responsibility. The ICN’s online eLearning course system supports the research-based competencies, knowledge, and skills needed for excellence in child nutrition program management.

ICN eLearning training provides self-paced online courses that may be completed over multiple sessions. Once a course has been completed, a certificate of completion is provided and may be used to satisfy certain certification and credentialing requirements. Additionally, ICN online courses are offered free of charge. Learn more about ICN eLearning Training Features.

Note: Level 1 requirements for the School Nutrition Association Certificate Program can be met through a variety of approved trainings. The free online courses Nutrition 101 and Food Safety in Schools offered by the Institute of Child Nutrition are commonly used to fulfill these core requirements. (Food Safety in Schools does NOT meet the Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirement through the Minnesota Department of Health.)

 

5. Chop! Chop! Culinary Skills

Chop! Chop! Culinary Skills is a free video training series designed to help school nutrition professionals build culinary skills and incorporate more fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into school meals. Developed through a partnership between CESA Nutrition Purchasing, the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, and Team Nutrition of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the series features practical demonstrations, recipes, and resources to support scratch cooking and menu innovation in school meal programs.

Access the training resources through Wisconsin Team Nutrition.

 

6. School Nutrition Association (SNA) Training Zone

SNA's free resources in the SNA Training Zone are designed to support you in your school nutrition journey and help you to grow in the field. SNA members can regularly access new learning resources and opportunities to earn CEUs. SNA’s Training Zone is your One-Stop Shop for all of SNA’s eLearning.

 

7. MN Department of Education Training Classes

“Tuesday @ 2:00” Training

Every Tuesday throughout the school year a different topic related to school nutrition program operation will be presented via webinar at 2:00 p.m. Please join us from your computer at home or with your colleagues at school for this live webinar presentation. Email [email protected] to be added to the Nutrition Bulletins that feature webinar information.

 

8. Sanitation (Food Manager Certification ) Classes

DATE KEY AREA & LOCATION TOPIC CONTACT
 On-going  Key Area 2 Earn approved continuing education hours for Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) renewal through online courses offered by the University of Minnesota Extension. These interactive trainings meet Minnesota Department of Health requirements for CFPM continuing education. Contact: https://extension.umn.edu/food-safety/food-service-industry
On-going Online Course Option

Food Allergen Training for Food Service Employees is a one-hour, interactive online course that teaches food handlers about food allergies and their role in protecting customer health. This course is approved for one hour of CFPM continuing education in Minnesota. Access courses at: https://extension.umn.edu/food-safety/food-service-industry

 Contact: https://extension.umn.edu/food-safety/food-service-industry