Many outside factors affect the operations and success of your food service program. Stay informed about the latest developments from CKC Good Food and the food service industry.
CKC Good Food News
Grace Simpson Named Administrative Coordinator
We are thrilled to announce that Grace Simpson (they/their) has joined CKC Good Food as our new Administrative Coordinator. Grace brings a wealth of experience, outstanding leadership skills and a dedication to fostering inclusive and engaging environments.
Prioritizing Local & American Produce
CKC Good Food prides itself on providing the freshest, most tasteful food possible to our client sites. Our menus feature a wide variety of local and American products, including seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Tips for a Successful Contract Bid Process
Bid season is here! If your vended meal or food service management contract expires at the end of this year, now's the time to pull together your Invitation for Bids (IFB) or Request for Proposals (RFP). Remember, unless you have had a significant change in scope to your food service program or are unhappy with your current vendor/food service management company, your current contract can be renewed for four consecutive years you need to bid your contract again.
Barb Reinhold Announces Retirement
We are saddened to share that Administrative Coordinator Extraordinaire Barbara Reinhold will soon be retiring. Barb was originally hired to be the Executive Assistant to CEO Nancy Close but quickly became a go-to for most everyone in the corporate office as well as our kitchens.
Summer Meal Planning Begins Now
Summer break will be here soon! While it's a relief for many who work in K-12 schools, it can be unsettling for kids, especially those whose families are food insecure. Your school or organization can help close the hunger gap when school is out by either offering free summer meals or simply sharing the information on where kids can find free meals in your area (see sidebar for sharing information with others).
RSVP Today for Spring Taste Tests
We encourage you to assemble a group of those you serve, family members and board members to come to our commissary for our spring taste tests and tours!
Team Spotlight: Hiawatha Collegiate
Hiawatha Academies is a network of tuition-free public charter schools in Minneapolis's Northrop and Seward neighborhoods. CKC Good Food is proud to be the food service partner to Hiawatha's three schools, which combined serve students from kindergarten to 12th grade. This edition of our Team Spotlight shines a light on our team at Hiawatha Collegiate High School.
Team Spotlight: Naj Bagdadi
In this edition of our Team Spotlight, we’re highlighting a team member who works almost exclusively by himself: Najil Bagdadi, our Executive Catering Chef.
Taste Tests & Facility Tours: Look Behind-the-Scenes of Your School Meals
One of our favorite times of year is approaching - the season when we welcome groups to our commissary for tours and taste tests of foods we're evaluating for our menus. Our guests always give us very honest, valuable feedback that only makes CKC Good Food and our menus better. And guests are generally engaged as we tour them through our massive kitchen and warehouse. We invite schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program to bring a group to our commissary for a session between March 3 and May 22.