Save the Planet, Serve More Plants

Tuesday, April 16 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM (1 CEU)

Presenter: Jodi Miller Gruhn, Director, Wholesome Minnesota

Learn how serving more plants and fewer animal products can make your school nutrition program a powerful player in the climate movement.

We’ll define terms like “plant-based,” “vegan,” “vegetarian” and “flexitarian” will be defined - all of which include dietary swaps that can cut your cafeteria’s carbon footprint, reduce cost, boost student health and increase equity and belonging.

Alongside our discussion, we're offering an interactive cooking demonstration. Learn about plant-based options and swaps tailored for schools and discover "student-approved" menu items that also contribute to a healthier plan.

Placing the POS 1st in Elementary Schools

Wednesday, April 24 | 3:00–4:00 PM (1 CEU)

Presenters:

• Julie Kronabetter, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage
• Karra Hartog, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage
• Emily Malone, Prior Lake - Savage Area Schools

Come one, come all! With MN Free Meals for All, meal participation is booming and cashiers are seeing many new and repeat student customers. This session will help you determine if placing the point of sale FIRST in the elementary lunch serving line is right for your operation. Identify if this is a path to consider and the obstacles and benefits you may encounter along the way.

BONUS: This service method also reduces or eliminates staff negative balances!

 About the Presenter:

Jodi Miller Gruhn is a catalyst for wellness transformation bringing her many years experience to inspire and educate audiences about the power of the plant-based plate. She is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach certified in plant-based nutrition and is a licensed Food For Life Instructor with the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine. As the Director of Wholesome Minnesota, she advocates for plant-based options in Minnesota schools collaborating with nutrition leaders, parents, students and teachers to bring nutritious, climate-friendly foods to their institutions.  

 About the Presenters:

Emily Malone’s school nutrition experience spans 10 years. She previously worked in clinical dietetics and at the MN Dept. of Education. She has been active in MSNA for about 8 years serving locally in the Dan Patch chapter, then on the MSNA board as the education chair, vice president, and now president-elect. POS first was already in play when she began at her current school district and she will present for an elementary that typically serves 540 students.

Karra Hartog has dedicated the past 22 years to feeding students and has been an elementary school manager for the past 12 years. She previously served as Vice President and President of the MSNA Dan Patch Chapter 19. Her school and entire district implemented POS first at the start of the 2022-23 school year. She smiles and giggles a lot while serving lunch to approximately 400 students each school day.

Julie Kronabetter has worked in a school nutrition director role for the past 21 years. She previously worked in healthcare and is a military veteran. She thrives on improving districtwide systemic improvements and initiated the transition to POS first in 8 elementary schools, which range from 300-575 students, at the start of the 2022-23 school year. She is the current MSNA Nutrition Chair and has volunteered on several MSNA committees.