ERIC Number: EJ1347032
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1559-5676
Child Nutrition Program Managers' Evaluation of a State Meal Planning System Guide
Hallmark, Alex; Lambert, Laurel; Knight, Kathy; Knight, Scott; Valliant, Melinda
Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, v46 n1 Spr 2022
Methods: A web-based survey platform was used to disseminate an online survey to CNP managers via email. A previously validated survey was used consisting of Likert-type scales, multiple choice, and an open-ended question. Descriptive statistics were used for each question, obtaining response numbers and percentages. Analysis of variance identified correlations between CNP managers' attributes and responses for satisfaction, importance, and helpfulness of MRS features. All data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS (version 25). Results: CNP managers (n=148) responded to the survey with 74.3% (n=110) reporting using both online and printed formats of the MRS and 70.3% (n=104) using the nutrient analysis software that contains MRS recipes. CNP managers (n=108) reported using MRS features on a daily basis for training. The two features rated highest for level of satisfaction were "Organization of Food Categories" (n=89, 86.7%) and "Number of Meal Components in Recipes" (n=86, 86.6%). CNP managers reported low satisfaction for "Pictures of Recipe Preparation Steps" (n=68, 72.9%) and "Pictures of Recipe Finished Product" (n=65, 72.5%). When choosing a MRS recipe, "Food Safety-Critical Control Points (CCPs)" (n=141, 95.3%), "Food Safety-Recipe Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Process" (n=140, 94.6%), and "Easy-To-Follow Recipe Directions" (n=140, 94.6%) were the features rated most important. The features of the 'Cooks' Tools' section, which contains conversions charts, diagrams, abbreviations, and common measures, were reported as very helpful by the CNP managers. Application To Child Nutrition Professionals: The MRS guide is a meal planning database available for CNPs in Mississippi to assist in meeting federal school meal regulations. CNP managers reported using both printed and online versions of the MRS for employee training and were satisfied with the features used to assist with reimbursable meal compliance. The MRS can be customized to meet any CNP's needs, can be easily updated as meal regulations change, and can be a valuable resource nationwide.
Descriptors: Children, Nutrition, Breakfast Programs, Lunch Programs, Administrator Attitudes, Likert Scales, Administrator Surveys, Satisfaction, Food Standards, Foods Instruction, Planning
School Nutrition Association. 120 Waterfront Street Suite 300, National Harbor, MD 20745. Tel: 301-686-3100; Fax: 301-686-3115; e-mail: servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org; Web site: http://schoolnutrition.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Mississippi
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A