Friday Food Fight: Recent Episodes

Food Handler Solutions

The official Friday Food Fight podcast where we are defining the everyday struggle to keep food safe.

View Details

Stay compliant. Stay informed. Stay confident. This course podcast provides a clear and practical understanding of the Buy American provision and its role in school nutrition programs. It breaks down what qualifies as a “domestic” product under the 51% rule, explains the non-domestic purchase cap and its phase-in schedule, and simplifies key regulatory requirements into easy-to-follow insights.

Listeners will also learn how to identify allowable exceptions, navigate the FAR Nonavailable Articles List, and properly document purchases using the USDA Exceptions Tracking Form. With added best practices for working with distributors, this episode helps school nutrition professionals make confident, compliant purchasing decisions in their daily operations.

View Details

In this episode, we are joined by Alex, a registered dietitian passionate about school food service. Together, we explore the challenges of serving nutritious and appealing meals while balancing regulations, labor shortages, and parental expectations.
Alex shares her journey into dietetics, innovative ways to engage kids with healthier food, and her advocacy for free meals for all students. We also dive into the power of marketing, creative menu presentation, and how social media can spotlight the positive side of school food programs.

View Details

In this episode of The Balanced Tray, we’re joined by Ashley Moyna Schwickert, founder of Studio Moyna, to explore the power of food photography in school nutrition marketing. Ashley shares practical tips for capturing crave-worthy food photos—using just your smartphone! Whether you’re new to photography or already snapping pics, this episode is packed with easy, effective strategies to help you connect with students and parents through eye-catching visuals.

Get to know more about Ashley and Studio Moyna!

View Details

Join an invigorating discussion with LaVonna Roth as she delves into her transformative 'Shine' framework, designed for personal and professional growth. Covering aspects like self-care, overcoming challenges, and leveraging strengths and passions, LaVonna shares her journey and actionable insights. Learn how to instill positive self-talk, navigate life’s hurdles, and achieve a sense of balance and fulfillment. Perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone seeking to ignite their potential!

View Details

In this episode, you will learn strategies to change the image of school nutrition programs by exploring effective marketing and communication techniques.

Our guest, Marlon Gordon, Founder and CEO of NxtGen Network, will share insights into his organization’s initiatives aimed at transforming perceptions of school meals.

Together, we will discuss ways to address common misconceptions about school nutrition, highlight innovative programs that have successfully improved perceptions, and identify future opportunities to promote healthier food choices.

You’ll also learn how to engage students in these efforts and measure the success of your school nutrition program.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in reshaping the image of school nutrition.

View Details

In this episode, we chat with Tarrah Westercamp about how students and parents make a difference in school nutrition!

We'll explore strategies for improving meal quality, increasing participation, and fostering a healthier school environment.

View Details

In this episode,Tarrah Westercamp, MS, RDN, SNS, a seasoned dietitian with over a decade of experience in school nutrition, shares her expertise on the increasing prevalence of food allergies in schools. She discusses the importance of developing and implementing robust allergy management plans to ensure student safety.

Tarrah also highlights the challenges schools face, such as labor shortages and resource constraints, and emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive allergy training. Additionally, she talks about her work with the National Peanut Board on creating resources to help schools improve their breakfast programs while managing allergens effectively.

Tarrah encourages school districts to take proactive steps toward better allergy management by accessing valuable resources.

To access these resources, check our Facebook, YouTube and Instagram socials! @schoolfoodhandler

View Details

In this episode, MenuLogic will give us helpful insights on effective menu planning while also managing your budget and making the most of your available resources.

We talked about:

  • Founding Menu Logic
  • Early Career Challenges
  • Advice for Young Directors
  • Lack of Technology Solutions
  • How Does Menu Logic Collect and Utilize Data to Help School Nutrition Districts Improve Their Menu
  • Insights And Advice on Improving the Financial Outlook of School Nutrition Programs
  • Focusing on Impact and Appreciating Colleagues and Team Members

Tune un for an insightful episode of Friday Food Fight!

View Details

In this episode, Malissa Marsden, a child nutrition consultant for over 30 years, explores the fundamentals of public speaking, delving into practical tips and strategies that will help you overcome anxiety, craft engaging speeches, and captivate your audience's attention.

View Details

🎙️ In this episode, we dive into the power of team building for school nutrition departments. Discover how encouragement, celebrating progress, and reframing failure can transform your team dynamics. Tune in for practical strategies and inspiring stories!

View Details

AND WE'RE BACK! 💙 In this episode of Friday Food Fight Season 2, join Matt Upton, the Chief Encouragement Officer of Let’s Conquer Your Challenges, as he shares valuable insights on conquering challenges. As an experienced executive coach, consultant, and professional development expert, Matt will inspire and empower you to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with practical tips and motivation to help you conquer your challenges!

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Craig Weidel Executive Director of School Nutrition Association of Arizona.

View Details

Bart Christian, a nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, talks about how to rediscover your power! 

View Details

Will supply chains continue to be important in the future?

In this week's episode, we will talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Alison Powers, Registered Dietitian and Regional Sales Manager for JTM Food Group.

We will be discussing Supply Chains Solutions For the Future" 💡️

Never miss an episode of Friday Food Fight!

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Scott Jensen, Co-Founder and President of Direct Education Worldwide, Inc.

View Details

There’s no such thing as an official term or formula, either on how to get leadership skills or on learning to be a good leader. So, how do you do it?

In this week's episode, we’re exploring superhero skills that can inspire you to grow into a true leader!

We will talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Joe Pettit - Supervisor Charleston County School District, SC. We will be discussing "Building Super Hero Leaders".  Never miss an episode of Friday Food Fight!

View Details

Virtual learning is not something we all thought would be happening, but it is new, real, and happening now! Bart Christian, a nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, talks about how to hold a successful virtual meeting and some amazing ways to use technology today! 

View Details

In this episode, we will talk about what Child Nutrition is doing to protect children's right to nutrition in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

View Details

In this course, you will learn how to define difficulties, identify causes, use creativity for problem-solving and implement the solution to turn them into opportunities. 

View Details

We will talk to Bart Christian, a Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Maria Eunice, Director, Food and Nutrition Services, Alachua Co. Public Schools, FL

We will be discussing "Changing The Image of School Lunch" 🥗🥙🥪

View Details

Bart Christian, a nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, talks about working remotely and having a positive attitude! 

View Details

Becki Swan, Sales Director of PCS Revenue Control Systems, talks about the future of School Nutrition's Technology Solutions. 

View Details

Beth Wallace, Executive Director, Food & Nutrition of Jeffco Public Schools, talks about how to lead yourself first so you can lead others well. Take this step toward personal growth and development. 

View Details

Bart Christian, a nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, talks about simple solutions for personal wellness in this crazy, crazy world! 🌎

View Details

In this week's episode of Friday Food Fight, we will talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry and Chris Derico, Child Nutrition Director of Harrison County Schools, Clarksburg, West Virginia.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Ashley Harris, Child Nutrition Director for Jackson County School District

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Mark Webb, Director of K12 Southeast Sales for Wild Mike's 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Sal Valenza, Director of Food Services, West New York Schools, New Jersey on how to harness the power of team work. 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and John Pedicone, Ph.D.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry about our top strategies for feeling more confident in front of the camera, or in any kind of meeting where you just want to feel better about yourself and your abilities. 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Mark Webb, Director of K12 Southeast Sales For Wild Mike's 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Dr. Ericka Goodwin, CEO of Goodwin Wellness Enterprises & Goodwin Medical Associates

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Doug Wordell, Director of Nutrition Services, Spokane Public Schools

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry about how to make 2021 your best year ever! 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Danny Brassell, Ph.D., America's Leading Reading Ambassador

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Ed Rush, Author of The 21 Day Miracle

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Lindsay Aguilar, Director of Food Nutrition at Tucson Unified School District

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Lynette Dotson, the State School Nutrition Director of Georgia.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Mr. Reginald Ross, School Nutrition Consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry. 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Joe Pettit, Supervisor for Charleston County school district in South Carolina. 

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Jocelyn Karbo with Education Service Center Region 11, the Child Nutrition Programs Team Lead and NSLP Content Specialist for the Education Service Center Region 11 in Fort Worth, TX.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Chris Burkhardt, Executive Director of School Nutrition for Cleveland Metropolitan District

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Liz Rosell, Marketing School Nutrition Professional and a member of the SNA Community

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, about how to embrace technology in the foodservice industry.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Robert Lewis, CEO of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Kern Halls, Innovator of K-12 Child Nutrition Industry, Indigenous Culinary Concepts.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Jonathan Sprinkles, Your Connection Coach.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Mark Webb, Southeast K12 Director of Sales for Wild Mikes Pizza.

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Mark Bordeau, Director - Broome Tioga BOCES 

View Details

In this week's episode, we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Lindsay Aguilar, a Registered Dietician and Certified School Nutrition Specialist and the Administrative Dietician of Tucson Unified School District. 

View Details

In this week's episode, we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Josh Seguin, the Director of People - True Food Kitchen

View Details

In this week's episode we talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Gay Anderson, Child Nutrition Director Brandon Valley School District.

View Details

In this week's episode, we will talk to Bart Christian, Nationally recognized speaker in the school nutrition industry, and Robert Tercek, CEO of Direct Education.