School Nutrition Association • November/December 2022 • What’s Cooking

In October, the Biden-Harris Administration announced plans to provide an additional $50 million in school nutrition equipment grant funding on top of the $30 million in equipment grants made available earlier this year. School meal programs can use these funds to purchase upgraded equipment to support efforts in serving healthier meals, implement scratch cooking, establish or expand school breakfast, store fresh food items and improve food safety. The announcement was made to coincide with the start of National School Lunch Week and to build on the momentum from September’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health and the unveiling of a national strategy to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease by 2030. [Editor’s Note: Read more about the Conference and the Strategy in the October 2022 eSN issue, page 8.]

“Ensuring access to nutritious school meals is one of the best investments we can make in our fight to end child hunger and improve health,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is doubling down on our commitment to helping schools overcome challenges, including higher food prices and continued supply chain disruptions. These resources will allow schools to provide healthy, appealing meals by meeting vital foodservice equipment needs.”

Force of Habit

NEVER DOUBT THE POWER OF POSITIVE ROUTINES! Hacks to Habits: A Behavioral Research Study to Bolster Fruit & Vegetable Consumption, a new report from the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), demonstrates that simple food hacks can make it easier for Americans to adopt and sustain habits that lead to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The research explored mindsets and behaviors from consumers who eat significant amounts of produce and those who consume little or none. PBH discovered that habit-creating opportunities for fruits and vegetables are very different and are context-specific automatic behaviors. The good news? Those who consume relatively little produce can build better habits through hacks.

This may be because these consumers report not knowing how to prepare fruits and vegetables in different ways. But after learning various tips and advice, they indicated they’d have greater confidence in increasing consumption of these items. Examples of the so-called hacks included buying pre-cut produce, placing cut-up fruits and vegetables at eye level in the refrigerator, adding them to favorite dishes and planning meals featuring produce before shopping. Download and read the entire report at www.tinyurl.com/PBHHabits-SNmag.

Shake Off the Gym Jitters

If you find your workout routine upended in the winter months, thanks to less daylight and colder temperatures, you may be considering heading indoors to make use of a gym or fitness center. This can be an intimidating prospect! You might be leery of the spread of infection (whether cold, flu or COVID), insecure around hardcore enthusiasts or daunted by cliques of exercise class participants. But you shouldn’t let apprehensions deter you from the successful pursuit of your activity goals. Start by digging into the roots of your specific anxieties and address them one by one.

Self-conscious about not knowing how to use the equipment? Remember that everyone at the facility was a newbie once, too! Call the gym and ask about periods of the day when they are the least busy, and then pay a visit during one of those slots to get a tour or demonstrations without feeling the pressure of an audience. You’ll likely find that staff are eager to get out from behind the welcome desk!

Worried about exposure to illness? Practice the steps you learned through the pandemic to stay safe. Wipe down equipment before and after your workout. Plan your gym visits for off -peak hours. If possible, pick equipment with some social distance from others working out. Wash your hands and avoid touching your face. Wear a mask if it makes you more comfortable; don’t worry what others may think.

Feel like an outsider in an unfamiliar social group? Gym members often strike up relationships with others who work out at the same time or attend the same classes. This may happen for you, too, over time. Until then, partner up with a friend or colleague for at least the first few weeks until you’re more comfortable on your own. It’s a good strategy to help you stay motivated and accountable until you’re into a new routine.

Anxious that you may be judged for being overweight, out of shape, sweaty and uncoordinated? Avoid the comparison game and remind yourself that people are focused on their own workouts, not on watching you. What’s most important is to stay mindful of your reason for being there in the first place: You are making a commitment to fitness, wellness and happiness!

The Cheese Stands Alone

When you sprinkle some grated Parmesan atop your pasta, are you unconsciously participating in cheese fraud? In Italy, the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium estimates that sales of imposter cheese come close to those of the real thing. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano sales total some $2.44 billion, while counterfeit versions rake in $2.08 billion.

Producers are turning to next-level technology in their fight against fakes. For years, Parmigiano Reggiano wheels have used a unique alphanumeric tracking code, but now producers are testing embedding tiny, scannable, food-safe transponders into legit wheels of the cheese. The tag is said to be smaller than a grain of salt, but highly durable.

The transponders, incorporated into a food-safe resin applied to the rind of the cheese, will allow the Consortium to better control its inventory, protecting and differentiating its products against look-alike brands. The project is in the final testing phase. Cutting-edge technology to protect a centuries’ old heritage!

Little Mimics Are Watching

Do you cringe when you see an adult behaving badly—speaking rudely, cursing a blue streak, being verbally or even physically abusive—in front of young children? You have good reason to worry about the effects that simply observing such conduct could have on impressionable minds. The old adage “Do as I say, not as I do” comes to mind, because it has been scientifically proven that young children who are exposed to negative adult behavior will be more likely to mimic that conduct. The good news? Role modeling positive behaviors also can be imprinted.

In a famous experiment conducted at Stanford University in the 1960s, children who saw adults punching and kicking a large inflatable doll adopted the same aggressive behavior on their own, while those who saw the doll being treated with kindness mimicked that behavior. Among psychologists and other mental health experts, this is known as social learning theory. The basic premise is that children can learn purely by observing and imitating adults and will adopt new behaviors based on what they see.

This is an important reminder for you and your team members that children are not just watching you, they are learning by watching you. So, the more you emulate kindness, empathy and respect (and refrain from acting in ways you don’t want to see in kids), the more those youngsters will adopt those admirable behaviors themselves.

Certainly no one expects you to be perfect. We are all human, after all. But you can be more mindful of how you respond when having a bad day or being confronted by someone who is being rude to you, especially if you are working on the line and have an audience. Strive to make every encounter with the kids you serve one that they will remember and imitate for all the right reasons!

Honoring Native American Cultures Through Food

Native Americans are often referred to as the “invisible race,” and the classic story about the First Thanksgiving—pilgrims being welcomed to the “New World” and coming together amicably with Native people (specifically, the Wampanoag people) for a grand feast— only contributes to the erasure of their cultures. Today, Americans can celebrate Native American Heritage Month, as well as Thanksgiving, each November. Combine both observances together this year as a way to honor and show respect for Indigenous culture alongside your usual holiday traditions.

The legitimacy of the First Thanksgiving story has been scrutinized by both historians and Native people, but more important than its details, the tale misrepresents a complex relationship that turned violent and especially tragic for the Wampanoag, as well as other Native peoples throughout North America. Because of that history, many Americans— both Native and not—rightfully have ambivalent feelings about Thanksgiving. For some, it’s simply a day to celebrate with family and friends over a classic meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. But for others, it’s a reminder of the abject destruction of a people and their culture. How can you preserve the traditions important to you, while acknowledging and respecting the perspective of Native people?

One approach is particularly fitting with common Thanksgiving observances: through food! To celebrate the diverse cuisine of Native Americans this November (and all year round), make a point to simply incorporate more corn, beans and squash—staples known as “the three sisters”— into your holiday menus, both at home and at school. Feeling more ambitious? Celebrate with modern recipes from Native chefs meant to showcase traditional Indigenous food, including Masa Polenta (Javier Kaulaity, Kiowa), Comanche- style Corn (Brian Pekah, Comanche), Wild Rice Pilaf (Mariah Gladstone, Blackfeet and Cherokee) and Three Sisters Bowl with Hominy, Beans and Squash (Sean Sherman, Sioux).

Whatever Thanksgiving means to you, bring in more meaningful traditions by acknowledging our country’s difficult history and honoring Native cultures through food. Read More: “Seven Native American Chefs Share Thanksgiving Recipes,” Smithsonian, www.tinyurl.com/TgivingFood-SNmag

“TUESDAY” TIDBITS

SNA and 32 other national organizations have signed a letter sent to Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.), urging them to expand community eligibility by including provisions from the House’s Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 8450) in the Senate bill for Child Nutrition Reauthorization. One specified provision is lowering the eligibility threshold from 40% identified students to 25% identified students, so that more high-need schools can implement this provision. Read the entire letter at www.tinyurl.com/CEPLetter-SNmag.

USDA is offering up to $12 million in competitive grants for farm-to-school projects that will increase access to local foods in schools, connect children with agriculture for better health and inspire young people to consider careers in agriculture. Grants are available in three tracks to cover new projects, expand existing ones and support state agencies. Grant applications must be submitted via www.Grants.gov by January 6, 2023. Visit www.tinyurl.com/F2SGrants-SNmag for details.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a proposed rule to update the definition for the implied nutrient content claim “healthy” and ensure it is consistent with current nutrition science and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). Criteria for “healthy” claims on food labeling would require that products contain minimal amounts from at least one of the food groups or subgroups recommended by the DGAs and be limited in certain nutrients, including saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted by December 28. Visit www.regulations.gov and follow instructions.

SNA has released the State School Meal Mandates and Reimbursements Report: School Year 2022-23, a comprehensive summary of each state’s school meal mandates and financial supports. Several states provide additional funding on top of federal reimbursements, and these can range from additional reimbursements, salary support or general funds to assist with program operations. The report also tracks the states that mandate all or certain schools participate in the federal school meals programs. Read the report at www.tinyurl.com/StateRpt-SNmag.

INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTH: CHESTNUTS

When you think of chestnuts at this time of the year, your first instinct might be to start singing an enduringly popular holiday tune (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”). But beyond the one line in the song, you may not be very familiar with this nut variety. It’s not as common in U.S. cooking as it is in many other world cuisines.

HOW TO EAT. Chestnuts can be eaten raw—as long as you avoid their toxic imposter, the horse chestnut!—but the tannic acid, a moderately toxic chemical found naturally in some plants, also could make you sick. So, it’s better that you cook them. One way to prepare them, true to the Christmas classic (albeit without starting a fi re), is roasting chestnuts in the oven. Cut an “x” into the shells to keep them from bursting, then roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Peel while still warm and enjoy!

TRY THIS. Make sweetened chestnut purée by slicing an “x” into the shells of 1 ¾ lbs. of chestnuts, then roasting at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Peel the nuts while warm, then cool completely. Combine 1 cup sugar, 13/4 cups water and the chestnut meat in a saucepan, then bring to a boil and simmer for 25-35 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and strain, saving the liquid for later. Blend the chestnuts in a food processor and slowly add the liquid until it reaches your desired thickness. Use the purée as a spread on toast or pancakes or mix it into oatmeal or yogurt.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE. Chestnuts are somewhat of an outlier in the nut family, containing far more carbohydrates than fats. Aside from that, they’re a good source of vitamin C and a decent source of fiber, potassium and magnesium.

7 Hacks for the Holidays

1. After a long day on your feet cooking special meals or braving the crowds in holiday shopping excursions, it can be heavenly to give them a little pampering with a luxurious footbath… in a bucket! You don’t have to purchase an expensive, space-consuming spa appliance. A wide-mouthed pail will be just as effective in holding warm, soapy water to soothe your tootsies. Ingredients for DIY soaks range from Epsom salts to citrus fruits to coconut oil.

2. Does this sound familiar? You’re ready to spend an evening in an epic session of gift wrapping and you pull out a bag of gift bows only to discover they have become an unsightly, crumpled mess? You may be able to fix them using the lowest setting of a flat iron. Then, be sure to store the remainder in a sturdy flat box or plastic container for next year.

3. You can go “needle-free” with your holiday wreath and connect to your culinary competency by upcycling a standard Bundt pan. Simply use spray paint, ribbon, glue and your favorite bling accessories (buttons, bows, beads, glitter, sprigs) in a unique and personal crafting project. Use it for your door or make it a memorable gift.

4. Daily schedules tend to be impossibly hectic during the holidays. You are focused on juggling a number of chores, running around all morning and suddenly, it hits you—did you remember to take your pill or vitamin? Or give it to a family member? Or to your pet? Develop a practice of flipping the bottle upside down after dispensing the medication and then flipping it right side up just before bed.

5. The microwave is an essential tool when managing multiple dishes for a big holiday meal. But how can you avoid those pesky hot and cold spots that disappoint when you take your first bites. Place food items around the edge of a rotating plate instead of in the center. Or, if heating up delicious leftovers, arrange your plate so that the center is empty.

6. Company is coming, and you’re rummaging around in your dresser trying to find your favorite holiday shirt. Avoid this stress by switching from vertical stacks in a dresser drawer to horizontal layers of overlapping items instead (think a fan of magazines or deck of cards). It’ll give you an easier view of the contents.

7. It’s time to light the candles, but the wicks are far down inside the pillar candle or candle jar—and all you have on hand are standard kitchen matches. Don’t risk burning yourself, light a long stick of dry spaghetti to use as a makeshift match instead!