Keyword for this page: School Nutrition

About School Nutrition

The Polk County School Nutrition program has a nationally recognized reputation for providing quality meals with a high percentage of participation. The District's more than 900 School Nutrition employees serve 4 million breakfasts, 10 million lunches, and 350,000 after school snacks annually. Included in these meals are traditional fare, specialty entrée salads, and quick bite meals. Cafeterias are operated at 103 sites, serving an additional 50+ satellite programs. In addition to these services, the School Nutrition department offers a summer feeding program, which provides nutritious meals to 100 sites as well as snacks to all FCAT summer reading camp participants.

Mission

Serving the future of America by nourishing bodies and minds today for a healthier tomorrow.

Vision

Our School Nutrition program is the pinnacle of nutrition integrity and team-oriented service that positively influences our students and community.

Nutrition Integrity

Polk County School Nutrition is constantly striving to improve the nutrition integrity of our program. In efforts to do so, a district wide wellness policy has been developed that sets standards and goals in the areas of nutrition integrity, physical activity, nutrition education, and other school based activities. The new policy was implemented in July of 2006. In addition, a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Food Safety Plan has been implemented in all schools. All schools follow standard operating procedures for the safe handling of food to insure the safety of the meals we serve.

Human Resources Management

The location of the School Nutrition department allows us to offer, “one stop shopping” for potential School Nutrition employees. Applicants complete their prescreening conference, new staff orientation training, fingerprinting, drug screening, and a pre-employment physical. Additionally, all prospective employees are interviewed, trained, and issued uniforms at one facility. Included in training are classes such as Foundations for School Nutrition Personnel, Nutrition for School Nutrition Personnel, Quantity Cooking, Use and Care of Equipment, and School Nutrition Leadership Academy. This professional approach which addresses geographical continuity and comprehensive training, allows the Polk County School Nutrition Department to consistently attract and retain quality staff.

View Information on How to Apply

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Staff

Area Code: 863

Name: Title: Phone:
Susan Ehrhart Director of School Nutrition 534-0590
Jenna Kaczmarski School Nutrition Coordinator 534-0592
Amanda Bot School Nutrition Analyst/Area Supervisor 534-0589
Katie Taylor Area Supervisor 534-0589
Lacie Sturgis Area Supervisor 534-0589
Tammy Hinks Support Specialist 534-0591
Betty Blankenship Support Specialist 534-0588
Amy Medina Support Specialist 534-0589
Terrie Tisko Apple A Day Cafe 534-0580
Fax School Nutrition Department 534-5086

Visit our Staff Directory to contact any staff member via e-mail.