“STIRRING UP SUCCESS” as a Child Nutrition Director

1. “STIRRING UP SUCCESS”as a Child Nutrition Director By: Margie Bowers Child Nutrition Director Rogers School District

2. WHAT’S IN OUR POT? Demographics: • 15,383 K-12 STUDENTS • 340 PRE-K STUDENTS • 9,732 Free & Reduced Eligibility (62%) • 185 Employees • Annual Budget of $8,600,000 • 3 High Schools, 4 Middle Schools, 15 Elementary, 2 Pre-K Centers (24 serving sites total) Programs: • Breakfast in the Classroom, 2nd chance & Standard Breakfast- 6,700 /day • Lunch – 11,000 meals per day • Summer Program- 950 per day- 10 Congregate and Mobile Sites • Snack Program- 460/day, plus 340 Contract Snacks for Pre-K Creating a successful program is just like developing a great recipe…….

3. RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Fuel the Flame- Pour in your passion and add lots of it to keep the fire burning ! Remove the Bitter Herbs- don’t allow complainers, time wasters and negativity to spoil your broth and rob you of your vision and enthusiasm. Add Change Slowly but Liberally as needed- identify the key ingredient most lacking in your program but process the changes carefully and simmer the stew slowly so it doesn’t “boil over”. Choose Quality Ingredients- LOVE for children, learning, creativity and challenge. Add in lots of appreciation and praise! Serve up Service! Lead by serving your kids, your faculty, your community and your employees.

4. But What Do You Do With an Elephant Stew? Just Take One Bite at a Time! • Taking too much on your plate all at once may cause choking! Smaller bites are easier to swallow. • Look for Inspiration and help from others who have made the stew before. • Offer large bites of communication and involvement to your staff and allow them to add their own flavors. • Taste often and savor the diversity of each ingredient. • Celebrate Every Success and make it better each time!

5. IT MAY BE A TOUGH RECIPE TO DEVELOP BUT NEVER FORGET……..WHAT WE DO EVERYDAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN!