Wheat Commission supports school nutrition recipe contest

Kansas

Research shows that students who eat properly do better in school. School nutritionists, therefore, play an important part in making sure Kansas students are prepared to learn and participate in classroom discussion.

Every day of every school year, more than 390,000 meals are served to students, faculty and staff in the state's 1,600 public and private schools. School meals are nutritious, wholesome and healthful, which is why the Kansas Wheat Commission is proud to sponsor a recipe contest at the School Nutrition Association of Kansas Fall Conference, Oct. 10 to 12 in Hutchinson.

"Kansas schools are working diligently to increase whole grains in student meals," said Cindy Falk, Kansas Wheat nutrition educator. "Sponsoring this contest is one way for the Kansas Wheat Commission to support the network of food professionals who provide quality meals for our state's young people."

Jodi Mackey, team leader of Child Nutrition and Wellness at the Kansas State Department of Education, says school cooks are encouraged to do their own baking, whenever practical.

"The aroma of freshly baked bread is a great marketing tool. School-baked breads not only taste great, they are an important part of a healthy diet. For many years, we've been encouraging schools to include more whole wheat in their baked goods," Mackey said. "It's exciting to see the growing trend to increase whole grains in Kansas schools and to observe excellent student acceptance of these foods. If you haven't tried baking with whole grains yet, give it a try."

The contest features two categories of whole grain products:

--Entrees.

--Dessert bars, muffins, and/or quick breads.

An additional prize will be awarded for an entry using whole white wheat. Prizes include a variety of resources from the Kansas Wheat Commission educational materials library, plus a grocery gift certificate.

Entries will be judged in part on ease of preparation and practicality for school food service operations. Winning recipes will be published and distributed to school districts throughout Kansas.

Child nutrition employees are encouraged to submit a pre-entry, or request information, by calling 785-776-0212, or e-mail mdtreeh@kansas.net, by Oct. 5.

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Date: 10/16/08

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