The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released the Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel final rule on March 2, 2015. This final rule establishes minimum professional standards for school nutrition personnel who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The final rule institutes hiring standards for the selection of State and local school nutrition program directors, and requires all personnel in the school nutrition programs to complete annual continuing education/training. These regulations were intended to result in consistent, national professional standards that strengthen the ability of school nutrition professionals and staff to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. Questions and answers to the final rule followed in 2016 (SP 38-2016, Questions & Answers (Q&As) on the Final Rule 'Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.'").
Guidance & Resources
- Final Rule - Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (pub. March 2, 2015)
- Final Rule - Hiring Flexibility under Professional Standards (pub. March 1, 2019)
- SP 38-2016 - Questions & Answers (Q&As) on the Final Rule 'Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010." (rescinded) -
- SP 05-2020 - "Questions and Answers Regarding Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Program Personnel"
(replaces SP 38-2016) - USDA Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals (website)
- NEW - USDA Professional Standards Requirements for School Nutrition Program Operators with State-Specific Requirements for North Carolina (rev. April 9, 2025)
Tracking Tools and Resources
- USDA Professional Standards Hub (SNA)
- SNA Online Professional Standards Tracking Tool (may require SNA member login)
- USDA Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool (PSTTT)
Training Resources
- NEW - Summary of Annual Continuing Education Guidelines for North Carolina School Nutrition Personnel (rev. April 14, 2025)
- USDA Professional Standards Online Training Database
- USDA Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs
- Professional Standards Training Guidelines (SNA)
- Professional Standards Learning Objectives & Training Topics
Welcome to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction School Nutrition Administrator Leadership Academy! Our goal is to grow self-confident and high achieving School Nutrition Administrators in a nurturing teaching environment which encourages collaboration and continuous professional development.
The SN Leadership Academy is designed to provide on-going continuing education in areas critical to the administration and operation of high-quality School Nutrition Programs to include, but not limited to, Food Production and Operations Management, Food Safety, Leadership Development, Marketing, New Administrator Orientation, Nutrition, Procurement, Program Accountability and Resource/Financial Management.
Courses are planned for a variety of topics each year and will be offered on a rotating schedule with many subject areas being explored in greater depth in subsequent workshops.
Course Schedule – TBD
About Canvas
The Canvas LMS application was adopted by the NC Department of Public Instruction to provide online educational opportunities for North Carolina’s Teachers and Administrators across the state. Canvas is an easy-to-navigate and powerful tool for developing and delivering online learning and professional development opportunities for learners at all levels.
School Nutrition is working to expand the selection of online professional development opportunities for School Nutrition program administrators across the state. That includes full courses, microlearning modules (5-10 min) on specific subjects or processes, and resource repositories. The goal is for Canvas to be the primary platform by which the state agency will provide and manage all continuing education and professional development for school nutrition administrators and staff.
Already have a School Nutrition Canvas account?
- How to Login to My Canvas Account Quick Reference Guide
- Login URL: https://ncdpi.instructure.com/logincanvas
- Forgot your Password? Please email Donna Knight at donna.knight@dpi.nc.gov to have your password reset.
*IMPORTANT* Please DO NOT click on the Reset Password button. That feature is not activated in the School Nutrition instance of Canvas.
User Interface/Navigation Resource Guides
Review the following Canvas User Interface resources for valuable information on the structure of the system and courses. Click on the each resource to download it or bookmark it for future reference.
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Technology Requirements
Chrome is the recommended browser for the best experience while using Canvas LMS.
North Carolina CE & PD Opportunities
In North Carolina, it is required per Professional Standards Hiring Requirements that the School Nutrition Administrator overseeing the National School Lunch Program receive or hold a current a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification by passing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited exam. This certification is also required per the North Carolina Food Code for the person in charge (PIC) at a foodservice establishment, such as a school or catering kitchen.
To learn more about this certification, opportunities to take a course and exam, and Professional Standards requirements, please review the resources below:
- Certified Food Protection Manager Certification Overview and Opportunities
- Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals
For questions, please contact Katrina Perry, Professional Development Consultant, at katrina.perry@dpi.nc.gov.
WEBINAR RECORDING
- Determining Eligibility of Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Applications | Access Password: AwwNvh4A
Determining Eligibility PowerPoint
Date of webinar: Thursday, September 18, 2025 | Presenter: Dana Edwards
The Financial Management 101 course provides instruction on all aspects of School Nutrition finances under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, including revenues, expenses, the connection to the general ledger, and calculations for Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
Please check back for updates and information about upcoming opportunities for this course.
Fuel Up to Win Instructional Videos
Menu Planning and Daily Meal Production Records
- Commercial Kitchen - BREAKFAST
- Commercial Kitchen - LUNCH
- Homestyle Kitchen - BREAKFAST
- Homestyle Kitchen - LUNCH
- Transported Meals - BREAKFAST
- Transported Meals - LUNCH
Meal Patterns
- Meal Pattern - INTRODUCTION
- Meal Pattern - BREAKFAST_K-5
- Meal Pattern - BREAKFAST_K-12
- Meal Pattern - BREAKFAST_6-8
- Meal Pattern - BREAKFAST_9-12
- Meal Pattern - LUNCH_K-5
- Meal Pattern - LUNCH_K-8
- Meal Pattern - LUNCH_6-8
- Meal Pattern - LUNCH_9-12
Offer vs Serve
- Offer vs Serve Introduction
- Offer vs Serve (K-5, 6-8, 9-12, K-12)
- Offer vs Serve (K-8)
- Offer vs Serve (9-12)
Food Preparation Skills and Tips
- We Want Lunch
- Using the Food Buying Guide
- Developing Standardized Recipes
- Measuring and Weighing Accurately
- Using Knives Efficiently
- Fruits and Veggie Cuts
- Enhancing Flavors in Menus
- New Salad Twists
- Innovative Menu Ideas
- Accommodating Special Dietary Needs
Positive Dining Experiences
- It's All in the Presentation
- Ways to Use Garnishes
- Focus on the Customer
Nutrition in the Classroom & Beyond
- Unique Classroom Activities
- Promoting Nutritional Messages and Team-Building
Additional Resources
- North Carolina School Nutrition Programs
- North Carolina School Nutrition Breakfast is Brain Fuel Tool-kit
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service School Nutrition Programs
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service Nutrition Standards for School Meals
- School Nutrition Association
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service Resources A-Z
- National Food Service Management Institute
- Food Buying Guide Calculator for Child Nutrition Progams
- USFA Food Buying Guide
- Food Safey for School and Community Gardens
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Office of School Nutrition Services, in cooperation with Chef Cyndie Story and K-12 Team, has developed the NC K-12 Culinary Institute, which features face-to-face and online instruction for School Nutrition personnel to enhance the following healthy dining objectives:
- Improve student health, well-being, and academic success through nutritious, appealing meals at school
- Increase participation in high quality, enticing School Nutrition programs
- Expand capacity of local school nutrition programs to purchase, prepare and serve fresh, locally grown produce
- Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain rich foods
- Provide continuing education opportunities for School Nutrition personnel
Resources
- NC Culinary Institute Workshops
- Instructional Toolkit and Resources
- Recipes
- Branding and Logo Usage
- Press Release Information
Fall 2025 SN Policy Updates
Scheduled Dates and Locations
Date: Monday, October 27
Location: Asheville, NC (Hilltop Event Center, 21 Restaurant Ct., Asheville, NC)
Date: Monday, October 27
Location: Greensboro, NC (The Conference Center at Guilford Technical Community College, 7908 Leabourne Rd, Colfax, NC 27235)
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Location: New Bern, NC (The Flame Banquet Center (2301 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560)
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Location: Winston-Salem, NC: (Masonic Center of Winston-Salem, 4537 Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC)
Date: Friday, October 31
Location: Hickory, NC: (The Hickory Metro Convention Center, 1960 13th Ave Dr SE #5186, Hickory, NC)
Date: Friday, October 31
Location: Raleigh, NC (The McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh, NC 27606)
The HACCP in Your School course has been updated and re-branded to the Safe Plates for School Nutrition Staff course. This online food safety course hosted by our North Carolina State Extension partners and offers several options for meeting annual food safety training needs for school nutrition staff. It is an alternative to the face-to-face workshop when it is not feasible to bring employees together for a in-person instruction.
The Safe Plates for School Nutrition Staff course is divided into two parts. Part 1 provides 4 hours of continuing education, divided into 6 essential modules. All 6 modules must be completed to earn Professional Standards credit for this course. For additional hours and to expand food safety knowledge and understanding, four 1-hour bonus modules are offered in Part 2. These can be taken individually, providing up to 4 more hours of continuing education in food safety. Part 1 and Part 2 combined provides a total of 8 hours of professional development approved by SNA as a food safety core course which can be used towards SNA certification requirements (https://schoolnutrition.org/certificate/).
- *IMPORTANT* - This course and related quizzes cannot be used to achieve the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate required by the NC Food Code for a Person in Charge (PIC), although it could be used as a review to help prepare for the CFPM exam. For more information about this requirement and exam, please visit the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) page.
- Instructions for accessing Safe Plates for School Nutrition Staff (pdf)
What is Smart Options?
Smart Options: School Meals Make a Difference in NC, developed by the North Carolina Division of Public Health and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, is a continuing education course tailored for school nutrition professionals in North Carolina that covers the key components of:
- nutrition and physical activity
- school nutrition regulation requirements
- methods for serving quality school meals
- strategies for linking the cafeteria to the classroom with nutrition education
- ways to promote school meals
- and the components of school wellness.
Smart Options also features local success stories from across the state.
Course Credit
Smart Options: School Meals Make a Difference in NC is an approved course for any School Nutrition professional seeking certification through the national School Nutrition Association. Smart Options is divided into ten interactive modules. Completion of the full course provides 12 hours of continuing education credit.
Smart Options: Teach the Leader
Completion of the Teach the Leader workshop is required to be able to teach the Smart Options course. Teach the Leader provides four hours of continuing education credit. Participants receive the Leader Guide, Study Guide and additional necessary materials needed to teach the Smart Options course. Click the next workshop date below for details.
For additional information please contact Tracey Bates at tracey.bates@dpi.nc.gov.
Course Dates: TBD
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction, (NCDPI), Office of School Nutrition will be offering three in-person pre-conference workshops at the School Nutrition Association of North Carolina (SNA-NC) Conference in Greensboro. The workshops will be held at the Koury Convention Center. See below for more information and links to register. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Katrina Perry, Professional Development Consultant, katrina.perry@dpi.nc.gov.
New School Nutrition Manager
Dates: June 16-17, 2025
Day 1: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Check-in begins at 12:30 pm)
Day 2: 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
Overview:
This two-day workshop is designed for new and aspiring School Nutrition Managers. It will include introductory information and overviews for meal patterns, offer vs. serve, meal counting and claiming, cash management and accountability, Food Safety and the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, inventory management, production records, and customer service.
New SN Manager Workshop Registration
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, June 9 or when capacity is reached
Please register in advance; we cannot guarantee seating and materials for on-site registrations.
Safe Plates for Food Managers
Dates: June 16-17, 2025
Day 1: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Check-in begins at 9:30 am)
Day 2: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Exam - 2:45 - 5:00 pm on Day 2)
Overview:
Safe Plates for Food Managers is an evidence-based, interactive food safety training course developed and offered by NC State University (NCSU)/Cooperative Extension. This two-day workshop is designed to help School Nutrition Administrators/Directors, School Nutrition Managers, and other Persons in Charge (PICs) obtain a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification. This certification is required for School Nutrition Administrators/Directors as part of Professional Standards hiring requirements and is also required for PICs of food establishments per the North Carolina Food Code. The course will prepare participants to successfully direct food safety practices in the school nutrition program and complete an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited CFPM examination which will be administered as part of the workshop. A preparation course begins on the first day and ends on the second day. After the conclusion of the preparation course on the afternoon of the second day, participants will be given an opportunity to take the exam.
Safe Plates Workshop Registration
- There is a $70 registration cost for the workshop that includes participation in the course, training materials, and the ANSI-certified exam fee. The SNA-NC Safe Plates registration fee is a discounted rate compared to taking this course through your local N.C. Cooperative Extension agent.
- Advance registration is REQUIRED; on-site registrations and payments cannot be processed.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 23, or when capacity is reached.
The Administrative Review: An Approach to Collaborative Compliance
Dates: June 16-17, 2025
Day 1: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m.)
Day 2: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Overview:
This two-day workshop is designed to provide important information about the United States Department of Agriculture’s Administrative Review. Participants will have a better understanding of the areas of review and process of the Administrative Review. This workshop is intended for School Nutrition Administrators and their central office staff who have an Administrative Review scheduled for school year 2025-2026 and for those who wish to learn more about the Administrative Review (AR) conducted in the School Food Authority (SFA).
AR Workshop Registration
Registration for all SFAs is now open.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, June 9, or when capacity is reached
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO RECORDING: Conducting Verification SY 2025-26 | Access Password: mD3zmJM3
Additional Verification Process Resources
- POWERPOINT HANDOUT: Conducting the Verification Process SY 2025-26 (Sep 2025)
- Important Dates for Verification Process SY 2025-26 (Coming Soon!)
- Income Eligibility Guidelines (Coming Soon!)
If you have questions about the Verification process please contact your Area Consultant or Dana Edwards at dana.edwards@dpi.nc.gov
- Evaluation & Continuing Education Credit