Before the first bell rang at Department of War Education Activity schools overseas, Exchange school meal program associates were back in the classroom—sharpening the skills that help fuel military children’s school days.
About 65 associates from the Pacific and Europe recently completed annual professional standards training, preparing to serve 3.6 million meals this school year at nearly 75 schools.
The Exchange has been an official school feeding source for DoWEA since 1983—a unique capability that improves quality of life for Warfighters and their families.
The training is an annual U.S. Department of Agriculture requirement for school nutrition program directors, managers and staff who manage or operate the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
“The training ensures associates remain qualified to operate programs in compliance with USDA regulations while maintaining the standards required to protect federal reimbursement,” said Thaise Jennings, chief of food operations. “The sessions are an opportunity to align teams around the school meal program’s mission and ensure consistent practices. The training protects USDA funding, strengthens operational performance, supports audit readiness and reinforces the program’s mission of supporting student health, learning and well-being.”
Senior Restaurant Program Planner Nalan Howard and School Nutrition Program Specialist Carolyn Jacobson were on the ground in Okinawa and Germany to lead the training, which focuses on four USDA standards:
- Nutrition: Menu planning, nutrition education, meal pattern requirements and special dietary needs.
- Operations: Food safety, purchasing and receiving; equipment use and maintenance; production records; and food production and service.
- Administration: Program management and financial management; human resources; free and reduced-price meal eligibility; and civil rights requirements.
- Communication: Customer service; marketing school meals; community and school partnerships; and promoting healthy eating habits.
At the Pacific Region training at Kadena Air Base, Director/CEO Brad Bingham, President/COO Marla Randolph and Commander Col. Jason Beck praised the team.
“The school meal program is run so well,” Bingham said. “It’s passionate people like you who make healthy meals a priority for military children. I can’t thank you enough.”
Bingham presented challenge coins to Food Service Foreman Julia Criquimatura and School Food Program Coordinator Mark Inocentes for their efforts.
Beck, whose sons attend school in Okinawa and eat meals the Exchange serves, understands the value of the program firsthand.
“The care and feeding of our kids are extremely important,” he said. “You allow teachers to focus on teaching kids and not worry about grumbling stomachs. And for parents—what you provide is time. Instead of spending 5 or 10 minutes making meals, I can use that time to talk with my boys about what they’re nervous or excited about.”
Beck thanked the team for taking care of military kids.
“When you make meals, they’re made with love,” he said. “You take a lot of pride in what you do every day. I, as a customer and a parent, am super thankful.”
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