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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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).