Sixteen members of AUSD's Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) staff spent three days at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa this summer to improve their food prep and handling skills.

In addition to learning knife skills, food safety, and how to chop and dice, AUSD staff prepared a wide variety of dishes, including Cilantro Lime Pasta, Southwest Cabbage & Corn Salad with Smoky Chipotle Dressing, Caribbean Inspired Jerk Bowls and Wraps, Miso Tofu, and Mediterranean Turky Balls, Seasoned Black Beans, and Lentil Mushroom Taco Wraps.

All of the participants received professional chef hats and chef coats with “Yes, Chef!” written on the front. A second team of AUSD staff members will attend the CIA training in November.

Whole grain, organic, compostable

The training is just one of the many leaps forward that the Food & Nutrition Services Department – led by Director James Assia – is making this year. Over the last several months, Assia has developed partnerships with local and regional organic farmers to bring organic produce to school meals; this year the team will also serve more plant-based and vegan protein options.

This fall all schools will also serve organic, whole grain breakfast cereals using self-serve dispensers and cardboard bowls. This will dramatically cut down the amount of waste produced by using single-serve plastic bowls of cereal.

Reminder: The State of California continues to support free meals for all students in public schools. That’s one free breakfast and one free lunch per student no matter the family income. But we encourage all families to complete the Income Survey during Data Confirmation. It helps AUSD secure funding and may qualify your child for:

•    Free afterschool program

•    Discounted internet service

•    Reduced PSAT and AP exam fees

•    ACT fee waivers and college application support

We also encourage parents/guardians at Earhart, Bay Farm, Otis, Edison, and Franklin to fill out the Free & Reduced School Meals application, which also may unlock valuable benefits for their families.