The USDA is always working to balance nutrition and taste in school meals, ensuring they are both healthy and delicious. In April 2024, the USDA revealed the final rule for updates to school nutrition standards,which will start to come into effect in the 2025-2026 school year and will need to be fully integrated by the 2027 school year. 

Each year schools are responsible for collecting, tracking, and reconciling thousands of student payments across multiple programs. From lunch money to exam fees and everything in between, managing payment collection district-wide is typically a complex and decentralized process. Districts will often find that their school sites and student programs use various methods and software platforms to help them manage payment collection. The athletic department may have a specific application for registration fees, while the before and aftercare program uses another for their enrollment payments. That doesn't even account for all the areas where staff may still be manually collecting physical payments and paper forms, forgoing a software platform altogether. 

According to SNA’s 2024 School Nutrition Trends Report, schools shared that staff shortages and rising costs are their programs' top two challenges. As schools look to navigate through these roadblocks, time is a valuable resource. Choosing which Point of Sale System you’re going to implement for your nutrition program is a big decision, and there are many things to consider. Let’s take a look at a few of the features that will not only help you run a smooth program, but save you time along the way. 

Our school menu templates are back for the 2024-25 school year. This year, we have a brand new set of designs, as well as a new ADA-friendly format option!

In March, over 150 school nutrition professionals from 76 districts traveled to Duke University to join our Heartland team for Connect 2024. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of this year’s Connect:

Throughout Women's History Month, we had the privilege of recognizing the incredible women who have shaped the landscape of education. From Ella Flagg Young to Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink, these trailblazers made significant contributions that transformed the field of education and paved the way for progress and equality.

The Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP, is a federal non-pricing meal service that allows schools in low-income areas to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students without having to collect applications.

This Black History Month, we are taking time to acknowledge the incredible contributions made by African Americans who have shaped our country, especially in the K-12 education space. From stepping into classrooms during a time of adversity to pioneering initiatives that aimed to close the achievement gap, these individuals have left an indelible mark on society. Let’s take a look back at the accomplishments of five remarkable black educators who have paved the way for generations to come.

Connect 2024 is next month! While you get ready for your trip and continue to plan, take a look at some fun things to do around Durham during your stay. 

In a survey by the District Administration at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, 45% of schools surveyed reported insufficient staff as an ongoing issue. As districts grapple with the downstream effects of limited resources, it becomes even more important for schools to find technology partners that can create efficiencies and help them overcome operational challenges.