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.

Cherry tomatoes

What’s On The Tray? Tomatoes

Test your food knowledge with our pop quiz on tomatoes. Fact or fiction - Which one is true about tomatoes?

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.

Cucumber slices

What’s On The Tray? Cucumbers

Test your food knowledge with our pop quiz on cucumbers. What's responsible for most of a cucumber's flavor?

Team Spotlight: Partnership Academy

Lulu helps keep students at Partnership Academy nourished year-round as a team of two, but during the summer months, she’s the heart of the kitchen. Using the Heat and Serve Onsite service model, she ensures students get fresh, nutritious meals. Meet Lulu!

Spinach

What’s On The Tray? Greens

Test your food knowledge with our pop quiz on greens. Which famous character is best known for loving a leafy green?

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.

Spoon with ground beef

What’s On The Tray? Beef

Test your food knowledge with our pop quiz on beef. How many pounds of beef does the average meat-eating American consume each year?