CKC Good Food News

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.

New hook and Rational roll-in combi ovens

More Meals, Same Footprint: Preparing for Growth

We didn’t add square footage, but we made room for more good food. See how our summer improvements are helping us prepare for more meals this school year… and beyond.

MDE Fill the Form - more than meals

School Meals Are Free. Why Fill Out the Form?

Even though school meals are free for students in Minnesota, the Application for Educational Benefits is related to so much more than meals. It can help both the school and families access additional benefits, from funding educational programs to providing discounts, that benefit students. The impact is bigger than families may realize.

kids eating lunch, pizza day at St. Charles

2025-2026 By the Numbers

Millions meals. Hundreds of partners. One shared mission to nourish bodies, minds and cultures.

5 Closing Tasks School Kitchens Should Do for Summer

Follow these 5 simple tasks to close down your kitchen before the school year ends. Enjoy your summer and come back to a smoother startup in the fall.

Allergen-free meal

Made With Care: Allergen-Free Meals

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month, and at CKC Good Food, serving food safely is something we think about every single day. From carefully planned menus to specialized food preparation procedures, our team works diligently to create allergen-free meals that students and eaters can safely enjoy alongside their peers.

stack of cardboard boxes for recycling

Environmentally Sustainable Food Service in Action

Feeding students at scale each day means managing more than just meals. It also means managing waste, recyclable materials and miles on the road. At CKC Good Food, environmental sustainability is woven into our processes and systems. Because reducing costs and improving efficiency ultimately make us a stronger partner to our clients and the communities we serve.

School breakfast meal

School Breakfast Makes ‘Cents’

School breakfast makes sense for improving student behavior and learning. It also makes "cents" for your food service program. Is your program missing out on easy, valuable revenue?

It’s More than a School Meal Application

All students at Minnesota public schools currently receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of family income, no application needed. What a time and money saver for families! While no longer needed for school meals, the Application for Students Benefits is used for so much more than just certifying students for free or reduced-price school meals.

Promoting Summer Meal Availability

Summer break is here! While it's a relief for many who work in K-12 schools, it can be unsettling for kids, especially those whose families lack consistent, nutritious food. Schools and organizations across Minnesota and the country are helping close the summer hunger gap by offering free summer meals.