Montana Cook Fresh Award Program Honors Local School Food Service Staff

Four school food service programs from across Montana that excel in serving fresh, wholesome, from scratch meals were this year’s recipients of the 2020 Montana Cook Fresh Award.

Two of the four winners were from northeast Montana. Of the 40 school districts reviewed, the school food service programs from Froid, Plentywood, Lone Rock and Whitehall took home this year’s prestigious prize.

The Montana Cook Fresh Award was created by joint efforts of the Office of Public Instruction, Montana Team Nutrition and Montana No Kid Hungry to recognize excellence in School Nutrition Programs and the efforts of food service professionals.

Food service professionals and their programs were “scored” based on documentation and observation during their administrative review. Areas scored included motivation to exceed USDA school meal requirements, menu variety and fromscratch meals. Also evaluated is the leadership of the food service director in creating a school cafeteria environment that is inviting and encourages students to select healthy foods.

These four schools also showed a dedication to utilizing local producers or school gardens when procuring produce, meat or other foods for school meals.

The Montana Cook Fresh Award is typically presented at the Montana School Nutrition Association Conference in June.

This year, however, it was presented virtually. The winners received recognition in a letter to their superintendent, a framed certificate and a five-piece knife set for their school kitchen.

These exemplary school food service programs are honored with this award for their dedication to serving fresh and nutritious meals to children in their communities.

Froid

Froid School food service staff was one of four programs honored with a 2020 Montana Cook Fresh Award for their dedication to serving fresh and nutritious meals. Their motivation to exceed program requirements and for scratch-cooking incorporation into the program.

Plentywood

Plentywood School food service staff was one of four programs honored with a 2020 Montana Cook Fresh Award for their dedication to serving fresh and nutritious meals. They have a strong focus on scratch cooking, creative use of whole grains, and spices to improve school meal nutrition. The staff is motivated to far exceed USDA requirements.

Lone Rock

Lone Rock School food service staff was one of four programs honored with a 2020 Montana Cook Fresh Award for their dedication to serving fresh and nutritious meals. They offer creativity in creating delicious scratch-cooked meals. The warm and welcoming cafeteria environment with beautiful displays of fresh, colorful food is especially appreciated.

Whitehall

Whitehall School food service staff was one of four programs honored with a 2020 Montana Cook Fresh Award for their dedication to serving fresh and nutritious meals. They incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into breakfast and on the salad bar. The staff’s understanding of meal pattern requirements as a program with a new food service director is especially impressive.