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.

Chicken salad flatbread summer meal

Cool Meals for Hot Summer Days

Summer-inspired entrees, cool and crunchy sides, and grab-and-go convenience are all on the menu this summer at CKC Good Food. This year’s cold summer meal was designed to complement busy summer schedules and warm-weather activities.

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.

milk and cheese in school breakfast meal

What’s On The Tray? Dairy

Test your food knowledge with our pop quiz on dairy. What happens to more than one-third of the milk produced in the U.S?

School Lunch Hero Day - team in hero costumes

7 Celebration Ideas for School Lunch Hero Day

Every day, but especially on May 1, 2026 - School Lunch Hero Day - CKC Good Food celebrates the everyday champions in the front lines of school meals. They wear aprons instead of capes, but show up like heroes with quiet superpowers that go beyond serving nutritious meals every day.

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.

Student from Twin Cities International participating in spring taste test event

RSVP for Our Spring Taste Test Event

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!

Chicken drumsticks

What’s On The Tray? Poultry

There’s no question that poultry is packed with protein and other nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins our bodies need. But, we need to settle this… What’s the best poultry comfort food?

Child picking up tray with USDA-compliant pizza at St. Charles

Inside School Pizza

Is school pizza the same as takeout pizza? The answer may surprise you. Unlike what you’d get for takeout, pizza served in school meal programs must meet USDA nutrition standards from whole-grain crust requirements to limits on sodium and fat. Read on to learn what’s behind the slice.

Potatotes

What’s On The Tray? Potatoes

Test your food knowledge with our pop quiz this February. Which of these potato facts is true?