Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Webinars: Scratch Cooking & Reducing Sodium


These webinars align with statewide goals for incorporating fresh, minimally processed ingredients in nutritious, scratch cooked school meals.

Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition (CICN): How to Transition to Scratch Cooking in Schools - First Steps

Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Description: This webinar will cover school nutrition program (SNP) scratch cooking basics, and will address staff training to support successful scratch cooking implementation. Two school nutrition experts will share tips to help you start or expand your scratch cooking journey.

Registration: CICN: How to Transition to Scratch Cooking in Schools - First Steps External link opens in new window or tab.

Questions: For questions regarding this webinar, please contact CICN using the Institute of Child Nutrition eLearning Portal Support Contact Us Form External link opens in new window or tab..

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Team Nutrition: Meal Talk: Reducing Sodium in School Meals

Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., PST.

Description: This webinar will provide strategies to reduce sodium in school meals to meet the Final Rule: Child Nutrition Programs Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Healthy Meals Incentives Breakfast Trailblazer Awardees will share innovative ideas and best practices for reducing sodium and engaging students in menu planning.

Registration: Meal Talk Webinar Series External link opens in new window or tab..

Questions: For questions regarding this webinar, please contact the USDA’s Team Nutrition by email at TeamNutrition@USDA.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Related Content
  • California Culinary Centers Standardized Recipes
    A collection of standardized recipes and resources to support schools across California in creating menus to meet the National School Lunch Program meal pattern.
  • Food Service Staff Education and Training
    Information for new School Nutrition Program (SNP) professionals and an overview of the School Nutrition and Summer Nutrition Programs, online trainings, resources, and program contact information.
  • Foundations of Nutrition: Dietary Guidelines
    The School Nutrition Program Foundations of Nutrition: 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans online training.
  • NSLP and SBP Meal Patterns
    Includes meal pattern requirements, online trainings, resources, compliance, policy guidance, and questions and answers for sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
  • Nutrition What's New
    News and announcements relating to nutrition for program operators and contacts.
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Fees for Electronic Payment Services in the School (added 31-Jan-2025)
    The memorandum clarifies policy related to fees associated with electronic (online) payments and ensures students determined eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits receive the benefits.
  • Webinars: Scratch Cooking & Reducing Sodium (added 30-Jan-2025)
    The CICN hosts a live webinar addressing How to Transition to Scratch Cooking in Schools - First Steps. The USDA Meal Talk Webinar to share strategies to reduce sodium and engage students in menu planning.
  • SY 2025–26 USDA Foods Available List and Pricing (added 29-Jan-2025)
    This report provides an estimated price per pound, per case, and per truck for all USDA Foods items available in school year (SY) 2025-26.
  • Waiver for Non-congregate Meals During Ramadan (added 14-Jan-2025)
    The Waiver for Non-congregate Meals During Ramadan allows approved school food authorities to offer non-congregate meals to students fasting during Ramadan.
  • NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant: Allowable Costs (added 10-Jan-2025)
    The USDA issued Policy Memo SP 06-2025: National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants (EAG): Installation Expenditures which provides guidance on costs related to installing and using new equipment purchased with EAG funds.

  • Buy American Provision (added 10-Jan-2025)
    The Buy American provision is a procurement standard that SFAs must comply with when purchasing food products served in School Nutrition Programs (SNP). SFAs are required to purchase domestic commodities or products to the maximum extent practicable.
  • Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency (added 08-Jan-2025)
    Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency to support the communities impacted by the Palisades Fire.
  • FFAVORS new requirement (added 08-Jan-2025)
    Effective January 5, 2025, (FFAVORS) user are now required to receipt within 2 business days of receipt of product or required delivery date (RDD).
  • CNIPS Update (added 06-Jan-2025)
    Transition of Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) server hosting and maintenance from California Department of Technology to California Department of Education (CDE).
  • October 22, 2024 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resources (added 03-Jan-2025)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar October 22, 2024.