Our Results
The Great Trays Partnership is working hard to meet several project objectives. Results from year one of the two-year project offer many success stories and a few areas for further work.
Great Trays workshops were well attended. School nutrition leaders from 75% of all eligible public school districts in Minnesota attended at least one of our workshops. A total of 319 school nutrition leaders attended the first workshop in February and March 2011. 373 leaders attended the second workshop in June 2011.
Great Trays participants are better prepared to meet new nutrition standards. Participant surveys indicated several markers of readiness:
- 95% are excited about making changes to their menus.
- 92% are excited to train staff on cooking healthier foods.
- 65% feel much better prepared to find recipes and other resources for preparing whole grains, legumes and vegetables.
- 64% feel much better prepared to nudge students to make healthy selections.
- 59% feel much better prepared to listen to their customers for informed decision-making and to improve customer service.
Great Trays participants acknowledge the challenges of meeting new nutrition standards. Half of participants worry that healthy food products are too expensive for their schools or districts. 27% feel overwhelmed about where to begin making the menu changes.
Participation in the Minnesota School Food Buying Group (“Buying Group”) has increased from 82 to 109 districts since the project began. Higher participation translates into higher volume purchases to drive costs lower for all participating districts.
The Buying Group has tightened product specifications to lower sodium, total fat, saturated fat and trans fat. 212 products were awarded in 2011, including 63 that received a new IN designation for “Improved Nutrition.” Plus, the Buying Group awarded bids for more whole grain products and fresh fruits and vegetables for the first time in their history.
