MDE - Professional Standards Resources

MDE School Nutrition Programs - Professional Standards Resource Web Page
Professional Standards apply to all school nutrition professionals who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This web page provides links to training and materials most frequently requested by Michigan School Food Service Professionals (MSFSP). Please check back periodically, as this web page is continually being updated.

Professional Standards Consultant

Linda Stull is the Michigan Department of Education, School Nutrition Programs, Professional Standards Consultant.

Contact:
517-241-3884
stulll@michigan.gov

Professional Standards Requirement Overview

Professional Standards for school nutrition professionals is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). The final rule, “Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” took effect July 1, 2015.

USDA has established minimum professional standards requirements for school nutrition professionals who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The standards aim to institute minimum education standards for new State and local school nutrition directors as well as annual training standards for all school nutrition professionals. These new standards will ensure school nutrition personnel have the knowledge, training, and tools they need to plan, prepare, and purchase healthy products to create nutritious, safe, and enjoyable school meals. Required training topic areas will vary according to position and job requirements. The final rule:

Creates minimum hiring standards for new school food authority (SFA) directors based on a school district's size;
Establishes minimum hiring standards for new State directors of school nutrition programs and State directors of distributing agencies; and

Requires minimum annual training for all new and current school nutrition professionals.