Category Archives: Nutrition Softwares

District Schools Highly Satisfied With Lunch Cashier System Cafeteria Software’s performance and customer support – School Food Service Directors

The Wordware mission with Lunch Cashier system for School District ‘s  is to actively contribute to the health of children, district staff, lunch cafeteria staff, students and other eligible customers by preparing, marketing and food service cafeteria software application.. Nutritious meals will be offered at a free and reduced price for eligible students while maintaining a financially accountable program.

 

Wordware Lunch Cashier system assists with your staff and parents to the new lunchroom software and is always here to help with any questions that may come up encounter while the process or after implementation Schools quickly learned how helpful our team is from the beginning and they are pleased with the technical support being provided by wordware’s experienced and dedicated technical staff. Wordware Support Team set up the software for the schools and provide training to your school staff up to the level they needed to learn the ins and outs of our school cafeteria software. From the launch of the new software, School Food Service Directors, was happy  that Wordware Lunch Cashiersystem would be an excellent fit for the children in their school.

 

“The implementation team and trainers did a great job getting us set up and ready for the first day of school,” say many of our valuable customers. Furthermore, their Staff have not encountered any problems, but they called for general questions. Customer care representative attends the phones calls promptly and guide them with confidence in using the lunchroom management software than before. They all are extremely satisfied that with the of wordware customer support team.

 

“There are many reasons why using Wordware for our lunch software has made my job easier. The remote support and ticket system have been a life saver on many occasions. The Direct Certification is simplified and the Free and Reduced timeline has kept me on track. The upgrade to the LCS1000 Mayflower has everything I need on the family dashboard for quick and easy reference. There are letter templates that can be customized by you and the numerous reporting options available are a tremendous help in documenting the daily and monthly transaction activities.” – Jean Erd, School District of Menomonee Falls

 

The Lunch Cashier System by Wordware, Inc. is a complete, affordable, user-friendly meal accounting system for schools, including back-office and point-of-sale management software. Lunch Cashier System is one of the Top Food Service Management Software. They provide comprehensive solutions to both school administration and food service staff. Computerized Lunch Program for school cafeterias, State and Federal reporting. Parents only need to send lunch money to one family account for all family members participating in the lunch program.

Cafeteria POS Systems and Point of Sale Software

Lunch Cashier System is one of the Top Food Service Management Software

Wordware, Inc takes great pride in serving food industry, Lunch Cashier System is the best food management software which has all latest features and web based application, It saves double data entry task and a single login for a Family so parents don’t need to manage multiple accounts for their kids. We are continuously adding new families, maintaining balances, reviewing payment histories – we’d like to introduce you to the people that are helping to make the LCS 1000 the best cashiering system there is!

Our K-12 Lunch Cashier System Software is a top choice for Food Service Directors nationwide, most of the schools adopting our solution for their school. All the students and school staff are happy with the solution.

Here is an Application for you school or cafeteria section, Food Service Director or Business Manager and you have to let the school board know that your food service deficit is much larger that you budgeted for, we can help you big time!

  • Savings on cost of goods
  • Reduce over production
  • Procurement/Inventory management
  • Menu forecasting with pre-costing
  • Menu pricing
  • Student sales analysis
  • Lowest Audit Failure
  • Single Family Login
  • LCS100 Web based server

Lunch Cashier System  is based on family needs while other applications are students based, they focus only on individual students. Wordware focuses on the students as they truly are: part of a family. Our software starts with the family unit, and ties all accounting for students into that family. There is no repeated data entry from one sibling to the next and you can view all of the information for a family’s  students in the same reports.

Automated E-Payment Processing – We have integrated automatic payment processing by which you can make e payment. The payment information will be transmitted from the e-payment company directly to the LCS 1000, all the payment processing done automatically in background LCS100 process payment from e payment section to payment section automatically. Everything is done in the background by the LCS 1000. All the transactions are secure so no need to worry.

Contact Wordware Inc for LCS 1000 demo

Wordware Family Website Instructions : Lunch Cashier System (LCS1000) www.wordwareinc.com

Paul Ryan Says Poor Children Shouldn’t Get Free School Lunches In Plagiarized Story At CPAC

By @ericbrownzzz On

Rep. Paul Ryan attends Conservative Political Action Conference in suburban Washington DC Photo: Reuters

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) apparently doesn’t believe the government should  give poor children free school lunches, and he used a possibly plagiarized story to make his point.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, Ryan told a story that he credited to his friend Eloise Anderson, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Ryan says that Anderson once met a poor child who told her that he didn’t want a government-provided free lunch, he wanted one from his parents:

She once met a young boy from a poor family. And every day at school, he would get a free lunch from a government program. But he told Eloise he didn’t want a free lunch. He wanted his own lunch — one in a brown-paper bag just like the other kids’. He wanted one, he said, because he knew a kid with a brown-paper bag had someone who cared for him.

According to Ryan, this is proof that liberal programs are leaving Americans with “a full stomach and an empty soul.” But there are problems with Ryan’s story beyond the implication that poor children shouldn’t get school lunches: His story is likely plagiarized and almost certainly fake.

As Wonkette and New York Magazine note, Ryan’s story bears a striking, if distorted, similarity to a story in the book “An Invisible Thread.” In the story, a New York schoolteacher offers to buy a panhandling student lunch, and he insists that it has to come in a brown paper bag, because all the other children with lunches in brown paper bags have parents who love them. It’s not a condemnation of giving children free lunches — it’s a reminder to give generously to people in need.

It appears that as distorted as Ryan’s story was, however, he wasn’t the one doing the twisting. N.Y. Mag points out that Ryan likely did hear the story from Anderson, who delivered almost the exact same story in a congressional hearing last July. Anderson instead that the story had happened to her personally and used the fictional encounter to claim that “we need to be very careful about how we provide programs to families that don’t undermine families’ responsibilities.” It seems unlikely that Anderson would have met a child with this exact same story. What’s more likely is that Anderson lifted the story to make her point and Ryan liked it enough to reuse it.

Ryan’s story may be plagiarized, but it appears to be an accident on his part.

A Fourth Grader Secretly Filmed His School Lunches To Prove A Point To His Parents

Zachary Maxwell may only be 11 years old, but he has an award-winning short film that will be screened at the Manhattan Film Festival this year.

It’s called “Yuck! — A 4th Grader’s Short Documentary About School Lunch,” and it exposes the dark side of the NYC Department of Education’s lunch program.

Click here to jump to the lunches >

In the fall of 2011, then-fourth grader Zachary asked his parents if he could start packing and bringing his own lunch to school. His parents insisted he keep eating the school’s hot lunch, which was not only free, but sounded delicious on the NYC Department of Education’s menu on its website.

With options like chicken nuggets with glazed carrots and beef ravioli with zucchini, Zachary’s parents weren’t sure he could provide himself the same well-balanced meals.

So to convince his parents things were not as they seemed, Zachary snuck a small HD camera into the lunchroom in his sweatshirt and eventually gathered six months worth of “inside” footage of what his lunches really looked like.

The result is “Yuck!” a 20-minute film narrated, written, and directed by Zachary and edited by CJ Maxwell, Zachary’s dad.

The film may sound cute and innocent, but what Zachary uncovered in the cafeteria of PS 130 in Little Italy was actually quite shocking. According to a review in The New York Times, which calls Zachary the “Michael Moore of the grade-school lunch room”:

Among the 75 lunches that Zachary recorded – chosen randomly, he swears – he found the menus to be “substantially” accurate, with two or more of the advertised menu items served, only 51 percent of the time. The menus were “totally” accurate, with all of the advertised items served, only 16 percent of the time. And by Zachary’s count, 28 percent of the lunches he recorded were built around either pizza or cheese sticks.

A spokeswoman for the NYC Department of Education told The Times that school lunches are healthy, and that perhaps Zachary wasn’t choosing the vegetable option each time. Zachary denies the claim.

But the documentary has made one substantial change — Zachary now brings his own lunch to school.

5 Protein-Rich Salad Toppers That Aren’t Chicken or Tuna

One of the most common suggestions I make to my clients is to swap sandwiches and wraps for salad. It’s a great way to instantly up your veggie intake. But most people have the same concern: They quickly tire of chicken and tuna, the go-to toppers for many salad eaters. If you’re bored with your protein choices too, try these alternatives for a whole new range of flavors. I predict you’ll end up with some serious salad cravings.

1. Canned sardines

These tiny fish are nutrient powerhouses. A full can packed in spring water provides 17 grams of protein, and a quarter of your daily calcium needs. Not to mention, they’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to heart and brain health, anti-inflammatory benefits, glowing skin, and shiny hair. While sardines are flavorful on their own, you can chop them and toss with a little sundried tomato pesto for some extra pizazz. Or if you’re not a fan of serving these fish straight from the can, grill or oven roast them before adding to your salad.

Health.com: These Rich, Fudgy Brownies Are Made with Avocado

2. Lentils

Just half a cup of this hearty pulse provides 10 grams of protein and six grams of filling fiber, along with ample vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—making it the ideal plant-based, protein-packed topper. For a low-maintinence way to add this pulse to your lunch salad, opt for vacuum sealed, canned (drained and rinsed), or even frozen pre-cookedthey’re all healthy options. To give your lentils a flavor boost, toss them in some olive tapenade, or try out this tasty mixture:

  • 1 Tbsp. of balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp. of minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. dried Italian herb seasoning

Health.com: 5 Alternatives to Trendy Superfoods That Are Just As Healthy

3. Hard-boiled eggs

One large egg packs about six grams of protein—or 3.5 grams if you use only the whites. For a unique salad topper, create a healthy egg salad by finely chopping the hard-boiled eggs and mixing with either hummus, guacamole, or seasoned tahini. Or simply slice them and sprinkle on top of a salad.

4. Frozen shrimp

Keeping a bag of frozen, pre-cooked, cleaned shrimp in the freezer can be another quick and easy substitute for the canned tuna in your pantry. Three ounces contains only 70 calories but provides 17 grams of protein, along with a healthy dose of key nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, choline, copper, and zinc.

Simply rinse your shrimp under cold water and serve heated or chilled, whichever you prefer. Either way, here’s the recipe for my go-to sauce to dress shrimp:

  • 1 Tbsp. brown rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed citrus juice (orange, blood orange, tangerine, or lime)
  • ½ tsp. fresh grated ginger
  • ½ tsp. minced garlic
  • A few slices of fresh mint leaves
  • 1 chopped chile pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper

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5. Extra-lean ground turkey

Most people think of ground turkey for burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, or stuffed peppers. But it’s also a great salad topping, hot or chilled. Four ounces of raw 93% lean turkey meat becomes about three ounces when cooked, which provides 15 grams of protein. In my newest book, Slim Down Now ($16, amazon.com), I suggest combining this portion of browned extra-lean ground turkey with a tasty avocado sauce. To try it yourself, puree a quarter of an avocado with these ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped basil
  • ½ tsp. minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. fresh grated ginger
  • 1/8 tsp. black pepper

If you’d rather keep your avocado intact, serve slices over ground turkey that’s been sautéed with the seasonings above and a quarter cup of low-sodium veggie broth.

Cynthia Sass is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master’s degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV, she’s Health’s contributing nutrition editor, and privately counsels clients in New York, Los Angeles, and long distance. Cynthia is currently the sports nutrition consultant to the New York Yankees, previously consulted for three other professional sports teams, and is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. Sass is a three-time New York Times best-selling author, and her newest book is Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches with Real Food, Real Fast. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Food and Nutrition

Working with educators, parents, business people, students, policy-makers and other concerned people throughout the United States

Food and Nutrition

The Minnesota charter statute does not specifically address food service. Charter schools have the same responsibilities in this area as school districts. While nothing in state law mandates that public schools must provide meals to students, in most cases it will be necessary.

This section includes information on:

  • Funding
  • Food Service Options
  • Resources

The Food and Nutrition Service at the Minnesota Department of Education administers the School Meal Programs. The programs include: the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, After School Snack Program, Food Distribution Program, Summer Food Service Program and the Minnesota Kindergarten Milk Program.

Participation in the food programs requires a substantial amount of paperwork, in terms of record keeping and regular reporting. Many of the software packages that schools use to report information include lunch programs, which can make the process much easier. MDE provides periodic training on the implementation of the School Meal Programs. Schools are strongly encouraged to attend one of these trainings well before school begins, so that a system can be set up to ensure prompt, full reimbursement. Once operating, schools should contact MDE if they have questions about operating the programs. Schools that do not implement the program properly might not receive the full amount of reimbursement to which they are entitled.

For more information about the School Meal Programs, please visit the Food and Nutrition Service website at fns.state.mn.us or the U.S. Department of Agriculture website at fns.usda.gov. The Food and Nutrition Service also provides periodic training on the School Meal Programs.

Funding 
Charter schools that choose to participate in the School Meal Programs may receive cash subsidies (reimbursements) for each meal served. For some programs, schools receive state subsidies and USDA commodities in addition to the federal awards. In order to participate in the programs, schools must serve meals that meet federal nutritional guidelines, keep accurate records of meals served and submit monthly reimbursement claim forms during the required timeframe.

Schools will be reimbursed at some level for all reimbursable meals served, although the amount is greater for meals served to students who qualify for free and reduced meals than for those who don’t. The amount of federal subsidy depends on each student’s eligibility category. Eligibility for free or reduced meals is based on the family’s income level. Children with family incomes at or below 130% of the poverty level are eligible for free meals, and those with incomes between 130% and 185% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals.

Most charter schools will have a number of students eligible for free or reduced price meals. To determine whether a student qualifies, his or her family must complete an “Application for Educational Benefits” form. This is the same form used by schools to determine eligibility for certain state and federally funded programs aimed at high risk, low income students (e.g., Title I). Families must complete this form each year their child is enrolled at the school. It is important to have completed forms on file, especially for those schools with a substantial low-income population. You may lose significant financial benefits if these forms are not on file.

Any child may purchase meals served by schools participating in the School Meal Programs. Schools may not charge students eligible for reduced price meals more than $0.40 for lunch. In the 2003-2004 school year, state breakfast reimbursements were increased to allow schools to serve breakfast at no charge to reduced eligible students and at a low price to paid eligible students.

In general, schools charge and are reimbursed for after school snacks on the same basis as other meals, although special rules apply for schools that operate in an area where at least 50% of the students are eligible for free meals.

Beginning in the second year of operation, the school will qualify for USDA commodity foods from the Food Distribution Program. In addition to school year food programs, there is also a Summer Food Service Program.

Reimbursement Rates
Although these rates change annually, as a point of reference, the combined federal and state reimbursement rates for the 2003-2004 school year are:

Breakfast Lunch Snack
Free $1.20 $2.27 $0.60
Reduced $1.20 $1.87 $0.30
Paid $0.77 $0.29 $0.05

Food Service Options 
When providing food service, a charter school has three basic options:

  1. Prepare meals on site. This gives the school complete control over the program, in exchange for greater responsibility. Unless the school has access to an institutional kitchen, however, equipment needs are likely to pose a significant barrier. Schools that prepare their own meals must have equipment certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, which is quite expensive. Schools that choose to prepare their own meals will have additional health and safety requirements and should also expect more frequent health inspections.
  2. Ask the local school district to provide food service for the school. A district that agrees to provide food service may have a minimum number of meals that they are willing to serve, or a minimum number in order to serve hot, rather than cold, meals. You will also likely be tied to the district’s schedule. Some smaller districts, particularly in rural areas where each school has a small kitchen, may be unable to provide food services.
  3. Contract with a private caterer for school meals. A private caterer might be more flexible in terms of types of meals, special preparations, special meals for field trips, schedules, etc. Most charter schools that provide meals choose this option.

IMPORTANT: Regardless of the food service option the school chooses, the school is ultimately responsible for making sure that federal and state requirements are met. For example, the school must comply with requirements regarding food storage, handling and safety. The school will also be responsible for submitting the paperwork for meal subsidies and for billing students who don’t qualify for free meals. All employees and volunteers working with the School Meal Programs should have an understanding of the following:

  • Sanitation and food safety
  • Required meal components and serving sizes
  • Counting meals by eligibility category at the point of service

When exploring food service options, consider speaking with staff at nearby charter schools and visiting other schools to watch their meal service.

Other Considerations 
During the first year, it is very difficult to break even on food service, given equipment needs. Even if someone else is preparing the food, schools will need serving areas, coolers for storage and, often, warming ovens. Schools should budget for these expenses. Free or inexpensive equipment may be available to schools through the federal surplus property program. To learn more about this program, contact the State of Minnesota Surplus Services at
(651) 639-4024.

When providing meals, schools must comply with federal nutritional guidelines for schools. These include, for example, portion sizes for different age groups and sample meal patterns. These guidelines are available on the Food and Nutrition Service website.

In addition to nutritional requirements, schools must also comply with the state health department’s requirements for sanitation and food handling. Regardless of whether the school actually prepares its own food, the staff is required to ensure proper food storage and handling. For example, a school must have a way to keep food at temperature-warm or cold. The state or local health department will inspect your facility yearly. In addition, any school that serves food must have one certified food manager on staff. To become certified, this person must take a course and an exam and register with the Department of Health. The Department of Health charges approximately $150 for the certification process. For more information about the requirements for food handling, safety and inspections, contact the Environmental Health Services Section of the MN Department of Health at (651) 215-0870. If you plan to prepare meals on site, you should contact the Plan Review Specialists at the MN Department of Health at (651) 215-0862.

Resources
Minnesota Department of Education Food and Nutrition Service 
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 582-8526 or (800) 366-8922

USDA Food and Nutrition Service

American School Food Service Association

MN School Food Service Association

Minnesota Department of Health Division of Environmental Health

For easy to understand Food Safety Fact sheets, see: health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/food/fs/index.htm

For information regarding food service construction requirements and licensure, see:health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/food/license/summary.htm.
(651) 215-0870

As public schools, charters are eligible to obtain surplus federal property from the state for free or a nominal charge. Food service equipment may be available. To learn more about this program, contact:

State of Minnesota Surplus Services
5420 Highway 8
New Brighton, MN 55112
(651) 639-4024

 

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