Purchasing food for a school nutrition program can be a challenge. Not only must buyers plan menus that meet federal meal pattern requirements, nutrition standards and high quality, they need to purchase foods that are appealing to school children. The right foodservice supplier can make their jobs much easier.

When evaluating foodservice suppliers for school district nutrition, it is important to understand that their role is largely about meeting the requirements of the national Child Nutrition Program while ensuring food safety to the students. This is where Windsor Foods moves to the head of the class, providing students with access to high-quality, nutritious foods that are fun to eat.

In order for food manufacturers, like Windsor Foods, to supply menu items to school districts they must adhere to nutrition guidelines set forth by the Child Nutrition (CN) Program of the USDA. This includes participation in the CN Labeling Program, a voluntary Federal labeling program of the USDA and the Food Nutrition Service (FNS), requiring evaluation of a product’s formulation by the FNS to determine its contribution toward meal pattern requirements.

School nutrition planners and buyers that inquire about a foodservice manufacture's participation in the CN Labeling Program will observe the following label format for each food item produced for child consumption:

• The "CN logo" is a distinct border used around the edges of a "CN label statement"
• The meal pattern contribution statement
• A 6-digit product identification number in upper right-hand of label
• USDA/FNS authorization statement
• Month and year of USDA approval.

The document "Subchapter A - Child Nutrition Programs" provides detailed information about Child Nutrition Programs and an example of a CN Labeling Program label. This CN Label example (above) is discussed near the very end of the document (p61).

Of course, parents want food that is nutritious, and children want food that tastes good. School nutrition planners know that Mexican food is a student favorite. Windsor Foods scores well with students because our burritos are made with whole grain tortillas, lean beef and chicken, real cheeses and authentic Mexican spices. We also provide a great Tortilla Crisper made with diced chicken, cheddar cheese and Mexican spices wrapped in a white tortilla and lightly par-fried. Both are delicious, nutritious and make the Honor Roll with parents and students!

Visit the these links for nutritional facts and product specifications of more great-tasting CN-approved foods from Windsor Foods:

• Bernardi Child nutrition Items
• Golden Tiger Child Nutrition Items
• Jose Ole, Posada, & Butcher Boy Child Nutrition Items

Windsor Foods gets high marks as a foodservice supplier that provides quality foods for school nutrition across the country. School district menu planners and food buyers tasked with providing proper school nutrition have many choices. It is Windsor Food's total commitment to health, safety, and well being that earns them a gold star on their report card!

Contact your Windsor Foods broker today for more information on school nutrition, the formulation of CN foods and Windsor’s participation in the CN Labeling Program.