The Smarter Lunchrooms Self-Assessment Scorecard Site Visit ProtocolPresented by Erin Sharp, MS, MAT, Cornell BEN Center & Smarter Lunchrooms Movement

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• During the last 10 minutes of this presentation Erin will address as many questions as time allows. If you are interested in joining the Healthy Food Choices in Schools Community of Practice or have any questions, please contact us at: healthy_food_choices_in_schools@cornell.edu

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Smarter Lunchrooms Site Visit ProtocolUsing the SL Self-Assessment Score Card

Erin Sharp, MAT, MSCurriculum Designer, Cornell B.E.N. Center

Funding provided by USDA ERS/FNS

Audience & Purpose• Fresh eyes

– Food Service Directors– TAPs– Community members & other

stakeholders

• Perspective, not criticism– Permission– Partnership– Positivity– Feedback– Areas of opportunity– Helping helps!

Preparing for the Site Visit• Review resources

– SL Self-Assessment Score Card – Pre-fill in name, date, observer(s), etc.– “Spot it” photo checklist from the 4 Step Path

• Research the school– Website, talk with FSD

• Schedule, colors/mascot, motto, initiatives, wellness, etc.• Menu• VIPs

– Terms (lunchroom, cafeteria, café, APR)– Other uses for the space? “A day in the life…”

Preparing for the Site Visit• Schedule visit with FSD

– 2-3 walk-throughs, 10 min each– Before and during/after service– Debriefing meeting with FSD– 45-60 min total– Norms (lunchroom layout, interactions

w/ SFS staff and students, who’s who)

• “Self-Assessment”• Bring a companion?

– Perspective– 2nd set of eyes– Photos

• Legal stuff

The Site Visit• Before the observation

– Arrive 20 min early– Come prepared

• Supplies: pen/pencils, clipboard, ScoreCard, note pad?

• Appropriate clothes/shoes• Identification• Orientation• No clutter! Leave spare items in car/office

• Checking in• Observe the school environment

– Signage, initiative, potential décor spots, How is the lunchroom integrated with the rest of school life?

• Prepare your response to inquiries

The Site Visit• During the observation

– ~10 minutes• Eyes open, look up, relaxed demeanor• Atmosphere, 5 senses:

– What is the students’ experience?– Height

• Note student traffic pattern• Take 25-30 photos if possible

– “Spot It” photo checklist– All waiting, service, & dining areas

• Entrances and exits• Serving areas• Dining areas

• Complete the Score Card– Check boxes of observed items– Additional notes in margin, spare paper

• 2nd walk-through• FAQs & Food for thought

– Salad, “all”, target entrée/featured item, K-5 n/a, named combo meals vs RMs• Go with the flow! Expect the unexpected and roll with it.

The Site Visit• After the observation

– Bonus: eat school lunch in the lunchroom!– Meet with FSD*

• Missing info• Review/debrief

– Qualitative!– Praise before polish

» Every unchecked box is an opportunity!– Specific details/photos– Avoid “you” language & names, “gotcha” attitude– Collaboratively design next steps

– Verbal prompts, next slide

Conversation StartersHere are sample ways to review to Score Card results with the FSD (or other stakeholders):• This is what I saw that you are doing

wonderfully:…• What is your reaction to these observations?• Do you have any other aspects of the

lunchroom you’d like to draw my attention to?

• Here are some areas of opportunity I saw:…• What do you think of these ideas? Are there

ones you’d like to explore first?• [Review their stated goals.] How can I help

you meet these goals?

Benefits of SL Interventions/Makeovers

• Snazzy new look for the lunchroom– colorful posters, menu signs, decorations, student art, etc.– move, hide, or improve unsightly roadblocks or views (gum, trash,

cleaning supplies, lost & found, etc.)• Better traffic flow

– informed students move smoothly through serving line, taking appropriate items

– rearranged/repurposed items, equipment, or areas clears up traffic jams• Less waste• Improved revenue

– more meals (esp. reimbursable meals) sold• Improved morale, rapport with students• Increased student interest in new foods• Staff development workshops• Positive press and recognition• Happier, healthier kids!

Using the SL Self-Assessment Score Card

• A Guide to the 4 Steps of a Smarter Lunchroom Makeover

• Materials• Terminology• Scoring• Implementation:

using the Score Card to plan a SL Makeover

• Usefulness for determining progress

• Questions/concerns?

Wrap Up• Next Steps• BEN@cornell.edu• Resources

– A Guide to the 4 Steps of a Smarter Lunchroom Makeover– 6 Principles handout

• Q & A

Your feedback is important to us! Please help us evaluate our efforts by filling out the survey linked in the chat box.

A recording of this webinar will be available shortly at: https://learn.extension.org/events/2770

For more information about the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement visit: www.SmarterLunchrooms.org and with questions contact: ben@cornell.edu

Join our efforts! Become a member of the Healthy Food Choices in Schools Community of Practice. To learn more about the CoP and membership please contact us at: healthy_food_choices_in_schools@cornell.edu

Thank you for attending! We hope you found the presentation informative and useful!